Policy Briefs
Original policy analysis from the EJMI Initiative examining data center environmental impacts, water stress, health assessments, and energy justice mapping in Michigan.
Health Impact Assessments for Michigan Data Centers
Zero of the three most sustainability-advanced data center operators in the world have completed a publicly available Health Impact Assessment for any facility.
Water Stress Review for Michigan Data Centers
The Oracle/OpenAI Saline Township facility claims 10,000-20,000 gallons per day with closed-loop cooling, below the threshold that triggers EGLE's Water Withdrawal Assessment Tool.
Indirect Water Footprint Comparison
74 billion gallons per year of indirect water withdrawal through DTE's grid vs. 36.5 million gallons per year that triggers EGLE's Water Withdrawal Assessment Tool -- a ratio of ~2,027x.
Grid Decarbonization and Vulnerability Trajectory
HB 5594-5596 should require EJMI-based assessments that account for grid trajectory, not just current-year snapshots, so that permitting decisions reflect the cumulative, decades-long burden.
Vulnerability Amplification in Ann Arbor Tracts
Grid-embedded burdens -- indirect water withdrawal, grid NOx, and carbon emissions -- arrive at full population-weighted intensity through DTE's service territory, amplifying vulnerability.
Tract-Level Energy Justice Mapping Index (Saline)
17 high-vulnerability tracts (SVI >= 0.75) share the same grid-embedded water and climate burden as the affluent tracts closest to the site. No mechanism in EGLE's current permitting acknowledges this.
Tract-Level Energy Justice Mapping Index (Exhibit 3)
Tract 26161410600 -- 78% minority, 39% poverty, median income $29,391, SVI 1.000 -- shares the same grid-embedded water and climate burden as the affluent tracts closest to the site.