Garfield Township pauses data center and crypto mining projects

Garfield Township’s board unanimously approved a one-year moratorium Tuesday on data centers and cryptocurrency mining facilities, giving officials time to plan for future proposals. The board can extend the ban for six additional months if needed.

The moratorium likely stalls a proposed small-scale data center that would repurpose a building on Cass Road. Residents had raised concerns about potential effects on water, electric rates and the environment. Garfield Township joins other northern Michigan municipalities that have adopted temporary restrictions as officials respond to growing interest in data center development.

Read the full story at michiganadvance.com.