Data Center and Cryptocurrency Mining Regulations in Clark Township
CEDARVILLE, Mich. – In a small community in Michigan’s eastern Upper Peninsula, local officials are taking steps to prevent the establishment of data centers and cryptocurrency mining operations via new zoning laws. Their concerns revolve around issues like noise, high energy consumption, and potential changes to the rural landscape.
Clark Township, located in Mackinaw County, implemented a one-year pause on these developments over seven months ago. This moratorium allows officials some breathing room to create lasting zoning regulations, with the hope of finalizing them before the moratorium ends in June.
Mark Clymer, the township supervisor, mentioned that the local authorities aim to act swiftly to mitigate the impact of rapidly evolving industries, particularly those tied to artificial intelligence and cloud computing, which are increasingly looking to expand into their region.
“We’re not exactly the perfect place for this kind of development,” Clymer acknowledged. “But we felt it was important to look into it. It’s a bit overwhelming trying to grasp everything that’s changing so fast.”
Recent events compelled officials to act quickly after a controversial cryptocurrency facility opened near a school outside of Sault Ste. Marie, which led to a nuisance lawsuit over persistent noise complaints.
Clymer pointed out that developers are considering at least 16 sites in 10 counties in the Lower Peninsula for new power-hungry data centers, mentioning that eventually, a project could be proposed in the Upper Peninsula where the chilly winter temperatures could help cool the servers.
“That’s part of what draws them to states like Michigan and Minnesota,” Clymer explained.
Clark Township is a sparsely populated region east of Interstate 75, home to Cedarville and the Les Cheneaux Islands in northern Lake Huron. One town planning official shared concerns that introducing a high-density computing facility would disrupt the quaint, small-town atmosphere.
Planning Commission Chairman Sean Merritt emphasized, “That’s not the vision for Clark Township. It’s just not in line with what a rural community should be.”
Merritt previously discussed the potential risks of large-scale data centers and cryptocurrency mining during an online meeting, noting that so far, most proposals are mainly directed toward southeastern Michigan.
He also stated that the proposed ordinance would give the town a voice in any future development requests. It aims to ban both cryptocurrency mining and large commercial data centers, though smaller data centers would be permissible when attached to schools, hospitals, and research institutions.
Meanwhile, over in Berglund Township, Ontonagon County, officials are also adjusting zoning regulations, requiring special use permits for any future data center developments.
