Reject MI-HB 4085: Keep local control for zoning

I am writing to express my strong opposition to House Bill 4085. This legislation, which aims to standardize zoning regulations for data centers across the state. It poses a significant threat to local control, undermines our ability to address critical environmental justice concerns, and disproportionately elevates the influence of large corporations and tech giants. Preserving local control over zoning is paramount. Communities understand their unique needs, environmental considerations, and development goals better than any state-mandated framework. HB 4085 would strip local governments of their ability to tailor zoning ordinances to reflect these specific circumstances, effectively imposing a one-size-fits-all approach that disregards local realities. Data centers have particularly high energy consumption, pollution, and water usage. These facilities contribute to increased greenhouse gas emissions, strain local energy grids, and generate significant thermal pollution. In areas already burdened by environmental injustices, the uncontrolled proliferation of data centers could exacerbate existing disparities and further compromise the health and well-being of marginalized communities. This bill grants undue influence to giant tech corporations who prioritize profit over community well-being. Michigan has a history of environmental disasters, such as the PFAS and PBB contaminations, which highlight the dangers of unchecked corporate influence and the importance of local oversight. We cannot afford to repeat these mistakes. I urge you to reject HB 4085 and uphold the principle of local control for zoning.