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Ypsilanti council joins Mayors for Peace, unanimously opposes proposed Los Alamos–U-M data center
Summary
The City Council voted unanimously to join Mayors for Peace and passed a resolution opposing the proposed Los Alamos–University of Michigan data center, citing nuclear connections and environmental concerns and asking local and state bodies to withdraw support.
The Ypsilanti City Council voted unanimously Oct. 21 to apply for membership in Mayors for Peace and to formally oppose the proposed Los Alamos National Laboratory–University of Michigan data center planned in Ypsilanti Township.
The council’s resolution directs staff to submit the city’s registration to Mayors for Peace and calls on Ypsilanti Township, the University of Michigan, Washtenaw County, DTE Energy, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the Michigan Strategic Fund to stop permits, partnerships and financial support for the center.
Council member Michelle Fellows, who introduced the measure, said the project raises questions that have not been answered and that the city has a responsibility to speak for residents on issues with possible regional consequences. "We should expect better from the University of Michigan," Fellows said as she urged colleagues to support the resolution.
Public commenters urged the council to take action. Aziza Eulabee, who said she has lived in the city more than 20 years, told the council the center is “highly problematic” for three reasons: environmental impact, impacts on utilities and moral concerns about links to nuclear weapons development. Logan Fortino, citing a Great Lakes-focused study, warned data centers can consume large amounts of water and contribute to higher electricity costs for residents.
Council members expressed concern about the lack of clear information from project backers and the potential local impacts on water and energy systems. Council member John McLean said the siting process had been handled poorly and that just because the university can act under state law does not mean it should proceed without local engagement.
The resolution passed unanimously on a roll call vote and instructs the clerk to circulate the text to the named agencies and leaders. It also directs the city to observe Hiroshima Day (Aug. 6) and Nagasaki Day (Aug. 9) annually to reaffirm the city’s commitment to nuclear disarmament.
The council did not adopt any regulatory authority over the project with this vote; the resolution is a formal statement of opposition and a request that other bodies revoke permissions or funding.
