Full Breakdown
Michigan’s Data-Center and Radioactive-Waste Fight Shapes State Elections
By Drooid · · How we work
The Contested Landscape in the 31st House District
The open seat in Michigan’s 31st House district pits Republican business owner Laura Perry against Democratic Milan City Council member Shannon Dare Wayne. Both candidates back repealing the state’s data-center tax incentives and raising the tipping fees at the Wayne Disposal landfill, which receives radioactive waste from Manhattan Project-era sites. Community opposition was visible at a Van Buren Township planning meeting on May 13, 2026 and at a protest on June 26, 2025.
Statewide Debate Over Data-Center Regulation
In the gubernatorial race, Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson calls for a statewide moratorium on new data centers until water, energy and environmental safeguards are in place. Republican U.S. Rep. John James argues that any moratorium should be driven by local governments, emphasizing “local control.” Both link data-center policy to cost-of-living concerns such as electricity rates and gas taxes.
Official Statements & Responses
- Laura Perry emphasizes a one-year moratorium on new data centers, citing concerns about farmland loss, water use, noise and infrastructure strain. She opposes the Wayne Disposal expansion and warns that a higher tipping fee must not become a “permission slip” for more dangerous waste.
- Shannon Dare Wayne backs “strong, enforceable safeguards,” including developer payment for energy and infrastructure upgrades, public disclosure of water and energy use, and local input before approvals. She does not endorse a moratorium but stresses water protections and transparent monitoring.
- Republic Services spokesperson Roman Blahoski says the company’s employee PAC supports candidates whose policies align with its business objectives, without influencing Perry’s or Dare Wayne’s commitments.
- John James frames regulation as a matter of “local control,” insisting the state should not block projects that communities choose to host.
- Jocelyn Benson argues that unchecked data-center growth threatens water resources and pushes electricity costs onto families, advocating a statewide pause until safeguards are codified.
Criticism & Opposition
Local activists note that Dare Wayne’s campaign website does not detail a position on the Google hyperscale project, raising questions about her readiness to confront the issue. Community leader Courtenay Hall described Perry as “vocal on the data-center issue” while expressing reservations about aligning with Republican donors. Michigan Against Atomic Waste plans to question both candidates on political contributions from the waste industry and on their willingness to pursue bipartisan legislation for stricter hazardous-waste oversight.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Campaign finance filings show Perry’s pledge to reject donations from DTE and Consumers Energy, yet records indicate indirect contributions from PACs funded by those utilities. Dare Wayne’s filings list union-backed donations that support data-center construction, creating a gap between stated opposition to unchecked development and the source of campaign funds.
What’s Next
The 31st District race and the gubernatorial contest will be decided in the November election, with control of the Michigan House and the governor’s office at stake. A second gubernatorial debate is slated for October, where data-center policy is expected to remain a focal point. Community groups plan to submit formal questions to both House candidates at the upcoming Van Buren Township planning session.