Brian Allnutt

Lawmakers introduce bill to cancel $100 million University of Michigan data center grant Efforts underway to withdraw $100 million state grant for University of Michigan's data center project in Ypsilanti Township.

The University of Michigan has failed to act transparently or coordinate with local officials on data center project, says state Rep. Jimmie Wilson Jr. buff.ly/AQ5k7Xy

York Township residents sound alarm about proliferation of data centers in Washtenaw County An informal data center proposal in York Township raises concerns about energy demands, water usage, and potential impacts on the local power grid and environment.

Township residents press for a data center moratorium following an informal proposal for a 1 gigawatt facility. planetdetroit.org/2025/12/york...

Data center developers hit pause on $1 billion Howell Township proposal: 'The right thing to do now' Developers of a proposed $1 billion data center in Howell Township withdraw a rezoning request after resident pushback, passage of six-month moratorium.

Howell Township official expects developers to resubmit application for the $1 billion project when six-month data center moratorium ends. planetdetroit.org/2025/12/bill...

Seems to be breaking up, finally

Private air monitors showing AQI levels between 100 and 153 in parts of Detroit and Ann Arbor.

The air is, once again, garbage. Airnow dot gov is showing lower levels, but my home monitor was rather high this morning. Hoping a change in wind direction today and tomorrow improves things.

Updated story on today's MPSC hearing. “This is your chance to provide some equality between big tech, government, and the people," Augusta Township resident Wendy Albers said, requesting the MPSC open a contested case on the Saline Township data center. @planetdetroit.org

Very cool😎

The 25 days of fishmas is giving me hope in a dark time

Drony

‘Get it right’: Residents urge Michigan regulators not to rush DTE deal for Saline Township data center Concerns about a $7 billion Saline Township data center include effects on utility bills, climate objectives, and potential stranded costs.

A virtual hearing on DTE’s plans to power a $7 billion Oracle and OpenAI data center draws commenters worried about power bills, energy reliability, and environmental costs. planetdetroit.org/2025/12/dte-...

It's a bummer

In winter, this is usually the result of an inversion, where colder air and pollution get trapped close to the ground. But I'm a bit confused because there's currently a fair amount of wind, which should help clear the air.

Purple Air air quality map shows AQI numbers above 150 in Detroit and Ann Arbor. Readings are higher than official government monitors.

Air quality is looking rough this morning Detroit. May be a good morning to wear an N95.

'No secret deals': Protest targets DTE's fast-moving Saline Township data center request Around 100 people protest DTE Energy's contracts for Saline Township data center, raise concerns over transparency and potential costs to customers.

Bridgewater Township resident Josh LeBaron says resistance to data centers is politically unifying: “In a deeply divided country, there’s something in this issue for everyone to hate.” planetdetroit.org/2025/12/prot...

Sarah Hurwitz Profanes the Holocaust Holocaust education has worked too well for the Obama speechwriter, since when she rationalizes Israel's genocide, "I sound obscene." Maybe sit with that, Sarah

“We can safely assume that Hurwitz is not delivering off-the-cuff remarks. She's thought about this. She has chosen the abyss. She is far from the only one.”

Howell Township officials under pressure to approve $1 billion data center: 'DTE is going to have to pivot' The Howell Township board is set to review a six-month data center moratorium Thursday following resident pushback against a $1 billion proposal.

The Howell Township board will consider a six-month data center moratorium Thursday in the face of a $1 billion data center proposal that has met with pushback from residents. planetdetroit.org/2025/11/howe...

The AI Bubble Is Bigger Than You Think - The American Prospect It’s not just OpenAI that looks overhyped. There’s a whole mountain of sketchy financial engineering underneath.

"We have a 2000s housing bubble level of financial engineering on top of a 1920s level of private unregulated lending on top of something bigger than a 1990s internet (or 1870s railroad) level of technology and infrastructure build-out." prospect.org/2025/11/19/a...

Still from Crass documentary. “Thatcherism really instilled in a lot of young people that to be successful you had to make money.”

We’re still trying to get over this.

(From the Crass doc. _Crass: The Sound of Free Speech_)

DTE seeks $163 million gas rate hike as heating help dwindles DTE Energy's proposed 8% gas rate hike could add $6.16 to monthly residential bills at a time of uncertainty for energy assistance programs.

DTE is seeking a $163 million gas rate hike as the Trump administration puts the future of federal dollars for utility customers in doubt.
@planetdetroit.org

YouTube video by ScottishTeeVee Teenage Fanclub - Everything Flows (The Best Version)

Like these songs (albums) that don't seem to have a beginning or an end.

Air quality is looking rough this morning, especially out towards Ann Arbor. Seems to be improving though.

DTE seeks $163 million gas rate hike as heating help dwindles DTE Energy's proposed 8% gas rate hike could add $6.16 to monthly residential bills at a time of uncertainty for energy assistance programs.

DTE’s rate hike request comes as Trump administration puts the future of federal dollars for utility customers in doubt: planetdetroit.org/2025/11/dte-...

DTE seeks $163 million gas rate hike as heating help dwindles DTE Energy's proposed 8% gas rate hike could add $6.16 to monthly residential bills at a time of uncertainty for energy assistance programs.

DTE is seeking a $163 million gas rate hike as the Trump administration puts the future of federal dollars for utility customers in doubt.
@planetdetroit.org

I love that this article ends with "civic next steps"

Michigan regulators move to protect Consumers Energy customers from some data center costs The Michigan Public Service Commission approves rules to shield Consumers Energy ratepayers from data center costs, while environmentalists seek stronger protections.

Michigan regulators address some “stranded asset” risk from data centers, but don't add requirements to protect clean and renewable energy standards. MPSC also sets up a process for addressing traditional cost allocation that could shift data center costs onto other ratepayers. @planetdetroit.org

$7 billion Saline Township data center reignites concern over Michigan climate plan ‘off ramp’ DTE Energy urges Michigan regulators to expedite approval for OpenAI data center in Saline Township, amid concerns over climate impact and utility rates.

No shortage red flags in this @planetdetroit.org report on a new data center in rural Michigan. Among them fast-tracking approval, climate off ramp and carbon capture. @brianallnutt.bsky.social reports.
planetdetroit.org/2025/11/dte-...

Michigan regulators move to protect Consumers Energy customers from some data center costs The Michigan Public Service Commission approves rules to shield Consumers Energy ratepayers from data center costs, while environmentalists seek stronger protections.

Michigan regulators address some “stranded asset” risk from data centers, but don't add requirements to protect clean and renewable energy standards. MPSC also sets up a process for addressing traditional cost allocation that could shift data center costs onto other ratepayers. @planetdetroit.org

“If this build out of data centers happens...it is going to enable companies like DTE & Consumers to opt out of clean energy standards,” Sean McBrearty, Michigan director for the nonprofit Clean Water Action, told Planet Detroit. “They’ll get to build more gas plants (&) charge Michigan ratepayers.”

We need to "call in" Ren and Stimpy, not call them out. Their rambunctious behavior cannot stand — but we must not resort to carceral or shame-based faux-solutions.

$7 billion Saline Township data center reignites concern over Michigan climate plan ‘off ramp’ DTE Energy urges Michigan regulators to expedite approval for OpenAI data center in Saline Township, amid concerns over climate impact and utility rates.

DTE looks to fast-track OpenAI facility, while environmental advocates raise alarms over utilities’ plans to build more gas plants to meet massive energy needs of data centers: planetdetroit.org/2025/11/dte-...