HOUGHTON, Mich. (WZMQ) – The growing number of AI data centers is drawing strong reactions across the country. In Houghton, dozens gathered over the weekend to voice their concerns. Protesters rallied against the development of any new data centers, citing worries of energy use, environmental impact, and the strain on local infrastructure. Supporters of data center growth argue that they could bring jobs and economic growth to the area. Organizers say the community deserves more transparency and point to the massive amount of energy used.
“That’s about the same amount of energy use as 1.1 million homes for a single data center. They also use an extreme amount of water, and the extreme energy use causes air pollution,” said protester Nolan Wright.
The rally was part of a broader statewide effort as opposition to data centers grows across Michigan
