Garfield Township Slaps One-Year Ban on Data Centers and Crypto Mining

Garfield Township in Michigan has approved a temporary ban on data centers and cryptocurrency mining facilities for one year. The decision was made after an overflow crowd attended a July meeting of the Garfield Township Planning Commission, where residents expressed concerns about the potential impact of data centers on water, electric rates, and the environment.

The moratorium allows officials to better plan for future proposals, according to Township Supervisor Joe McManus. He stated that the public's overwhelming support for the ban was a 'refreshing' sight.

In July, residents packed a zoning meeting to express their concerns about data centers. The township planning director at the time noted that moratoriums are not included in state law, but can be implemented through an amendment to the zoning ordinance.

The temporary ban will likely stall proposed plans by Illinois-based developer Tom Cervenka to repurpose a building on Cass Road for a small-scale data center. The ban is part of a growing trend among northern Michigan municipalities passing temporary bans on data centers.