The Data Center Divide
A policy snapshot ahead of the 2026 midterms. Mapping data center incentives, restrictions, and bans through legislation, regulations, and executive actions across all 50 states and 1,462 local jurisdictions.
Watersmeet Township
This restriction takes precedence while in effect. The rating below excludes temporary restrictions.
Mixed Data Center Policies
Watersmeet Township has enacted a 12-month pause on data-center permits, approvals, construction, and installation, with possible extensions; existing centers do not appear to be affected.
Rating from Michigan statewide as there are no scored current or future laws outside temporary restrictions for Watersmeet Township.
current law · Watersmeet TownshipProhibits data-center permits, reviews, approvals, construction, and installation in Watersmeet Township for 12 months, with possible extensions.Watersmeet Township Temporary Data Center Moratorium Ordinance (2026)
What this means
The measure would pause permits, approvals, construction, and installation of data centers for 12 months, with possible extensions, making new projects and expansions substantially harder. It does not appear to stop existing data centers from operating.
Timing
- Ends
- 12 months after adoption or passage and publication/effective date
The temporary moratorium applies to permitting, review, approval, construction, and installation of data center facilities. It may be extended by Township Board resolution for additional periods of six months or less. If extended beyond 12 months, a landowner may apply for a waiver upon demonstrating immediate and irreparable harm.
People behind it
- Trustee Zelinski
Offered the Data Center Temporary Moratorium Ordinance.
- Watersmeet Township Board
Adopted and enacted the Data Center Temporary Moratorium Ordinance.
- Yvonne Clark
Township Supervisor who signed the adopted ordinance.
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- Laura Mans
Township Clerk who signed and certified the adopted ordinance.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements3
An immediately effective 12-month moratorium prohibits permitting, consideration, approval, location, erection, construction, review, and installation of all data centers in the Township, including associated infrastructure such as power generators, cooling and water facilities, battery energy-storage systems, and utility substations.
The Township Board may extend the moratorium by resolution for additional periods of six months or less.
During an extension, a landowner seeking relief must apply in writing, attend a public hearing, and prove immediate and irreparable harm; any waiver may be limited to what is necessary to avoid that demonstrated harm.
Benefits & exceptionsHide benefits & exceptions1
If the moratorium is extended beyond its initial 12 months, a landowner may apply in writing for a waiver if the extension would cause immediate and irreparable harm or violate applicable law. After a public hearing, the Township Board may grant the waiver only to the extent necessary to avoid the demonstrated harm, and the landowner bears the burden of proof.
Sources
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