Michiganders are broadly against data centers, especially when they’re proposed near their residence. Their concerns about electricity and water use are compounded by a general feeling that large tech companies control too much of their lives. At this point, 52 localities in Michigan have passed data center moratoriums.

But are concerns about hyper-scale data centers overblown? And, are there more benefits that townships aren’t fully appreciating?

Eric Paul Dennis is the infrastructure research associate for the Citizens Research Council. A new report he did on data centers says their benefits often actually outweigh the costs. He spoke with The Metro's Sam Corey.