The Huron Valley Area Labor Federation Demands Pause on Unregulated Data Center Expansion
Statement of Ian Robinson, HVALF President:
“New data centers are being built at breakneck speed in Southeast Michigan, without proper consideration of the negative impacts they are having and will have on working people and our communities if they are not required to meet HVALF’s eight standards. Working people shouldn't be stuck with higher bills and strained water and energy systems so a handful of corporations can profit. If these projects can't meet basic standards for jobs, transparency, and accountability, they shouldn't move forward.”
HVALF’s minimum standards for data center development are:
No tax incentives, no subsidies – No public money for data center projects.
No cost shifting onto consumers – Corporations pay full costs for energy, water, and grid upgrades.
Binding labor standards – Project labor agreements for construction; direct, union-quality jobs for operations.
Full transparency and public disclosure – Public disclosure of incentives, utility contracts, resource use, and workforce data.
Enforceable limits on resource use – Caps on energy and water use with penalties for violations.
No weakening of climate commitments – New, additional zero-emissions power required.
Community protections and accountability – Safeguards for health, housing, and environment with compensation for harm.
Democratic review, approval, and oversight – No fast-tracked approvals; workers and residents must have a real voice in the process.
If the above conditions are not in place and enforceable, these projects should not move forward. Review HVALF’s full position statement here. HVALF will work with unions, community partners, and policymakers to establish and enforce these standards.