Tlaib Statement on AI Data Center Vote in Southfield

DETROIT — Today, Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib (MI-12) issued the following statement after the Southfield City Council voted to approve a site plan for a proposed AI data center:

“For weeks, residents have been calling our office to share their concerns about Metrobloks’ proposed AI data center in Southfield. No one wants to live near a data center. People are beginning to learn more about how AI data centers can raise electricity costs in nearby neighborhoods by as much as 267%, consume millions of gallons of water per day, and can produce air, water, noise, and light pollution, especially when powered by dirty fossil fuels. Our neighbors are right to be concerned when these facilities are being fast-tracked in our backyards, and they deserve answers to their important questions about pollution and the impacts this facility will have on already unaffordable utility bills. I’m inspired to see so many of our residents organizing together to push back.

I have been engaging Southfield public officials to learn more about this proposal and how residents can make their voices heard. As I understand the situation, this developer does not currently have the necessary financing to begin construction, which means we still have the chance to ensure the City of Southfield and Metrobloks hear our voices loud and clear. I will be working closely on this issue with concerned residents in the coming weeks and months to get organized and protect our communities.

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