DTE Energy is seeking state approval to power a 1.4-gigawatt data-center complex in Saline Township, developed by Stephen Ross’s Related Companies through its new subsidiary Related Digital. The proposed “Stargate Campus,”announced with OpenAI and Oracle Corporation, would rank among the largest private-sector energy loads in Michigan history.
While Governor Whitmer has framed the project as a milestone for economic development, DTE has asked the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) to approve its 19-year power-supply contract without public hearing, prompting objections from Attorney General Dana Nessel and mounting questions over transparency, ratepayer exposure, and environmental oversight.
This roundup compiles verified reporting, official documents, and public records on the project and its implications for Michigan’s energy and water future.
Regulatory and Utility Oversight
DTE asks regulators to fast-track data-center, skip public hearings — Detroit News
Details DTE’s filing with the MPSC seeking an ex parte order to supply the load while avoiding a contested case. Notes Attorney General Dana Nessel’s objection that long-term costs warrant full public review.
How Michigan data centers could hike your power bill — Planet Detroit
Analyzes how massive new data-center demand could shift infrastructure costs to residential customers and delay renewable-energy goals.
Michigan OKs landmark regulations that push up-front review of data-center costs — WHMI News
Reports that DTE filed a 19-year contract and requested ex parte approval despite an estimated $500 million in grid upgrades, now under MPSC scrutiny.
Massive data-center project announced for Michigan — Michigan Public Radio
Summarizes DTE’s commitment to the 1.4 GW project and its framing as part of Michigan’s clean-tech push.
Attorney General Intervention
Attorney General Dana Nessel opposes DTE fast-track approval for Saline Township data center — Detroit Free Press
Confirms Nessel’s formal intervention before the MPSC, calling DTE’s attempt to bypass review “an extraordinary overreach.” Her office argues the 19-year contract and $500 million cost exposure require a contested case.
AG Nessel intervenes in DTE data-center case, seeks formal public hearing — Michigan Attorney General Press Release
Announces official filing demanding full transparency and public participation.
MPSC weighs in on data-center plans as Nessel opposes DTE fast-track — Detroit News
Covers the MPSC’s acknowledgement of Nessel’s intervention and confirms the case remains under review.
Nessel aims to open up hearing on DTE data-center contracts — Michigan Advance
Summarizes her demand for an open hearing and broader regulatory review of DTE’s data-center agreements.
AG Nessel intervening as DTE looks to get approval for data center — WILX News 10
Reports on growing public support for Nessel’s stance, including Ann Arbor-area residents calling for full environmental review.
Community and Local Response
Data center divides Saline Township as DTE seeks to bypass public hearings — WXYZ Detroit
Shows residents split between job promises and worries about light, noise, traffic, and water use.
Saline data-center settlement explained — Planet Detroit
Outlines the township’s consent judgment with Related Digital after zoning litigation, including farmland-preservation and noise-limit provisions.
Ann Arbor residents demand answers as DTE races to approve massive data center — ClickOnDetroit / WDIV
Describes rising Washtenaw County opposition and reports DTE’s target for approval by December 5.
Environmental and Economic Context
AI, other data centers are coming to Michigan — and they need a lot of energy and water — Detroit Free Press
Explores the surge of AI and cloud-computing infrastructure statewide, warning that each facility demands vast electricity and water supplies. Experts call for statewide siting and climate-impact standards.
$7 billion Saline Township data center reignites concern over Michigan climate-plan ‘off ramp’ — Planet Detroit
Highlights environmental-justice groups’ fears that the project could weaken Michigan’s clean-energy commitments under the 2023 law.
Whitmer: Multi-billion-dollar Saline Township data center ‘largest investment in Michigan history’ — Michigan Advance
Covers the governor’s endorsement and the state’s framing of the project as a major economic win.
Related’s $7 Billion Data-Center Project Is One of the Largest Deals Yet — Wall Street Journal
Places the project within a national boom of AI-driven infrastructure investments.
Towns are saying no to AI data centers. One got sued over it. — Washington Post
Provides national context, citing Saline Township as an example of community resistance to unregulated data-center expansion.
OpenAI, Oracle plan 1 GW Stargate data center in Michigan with Related Digital — Reuters
Confirms partnerships, project scope, and state support.
Corporate Ownership and Developers
Related Digital’s 1 GW Michigan data-center project to be part of Stargate Campus — Data Center Dynamics
Technical overview of the campus, design specs, and expansion potential up to 3 GW.
OpenAI, Oracle and Related Digital announce Stargate site in Michigan — Related Digital Press Release
Corporate statement highlighting “green design” and projected job creation.
Documents and Source Materials
Saline Township Consent Judgment and Settlement Terms — Planet Detroit summary
Outlines binding local settlement details.
Saline Township — Data Center Proposal Page — Official site
Includes board minutes, lawsuit filings, and developer FAQ sheet.
Related Digital FAQ (September 2025) — Developer’s 575-acre project overview.
Michigan Public Service Commission — Public Comment Portal — Venue for submitting comments on DTE’s pending ex parte request.
Planet Detroit: Data Centers and Power Costs — Context on filings and ratepayer implications.
Washtenaw County Circuit Court Portal — Access to consent-judgment docket (Saline Township v. Related Digital, 2025).
Summary
Together, these reports show a project advancing faster than Michigan’s current oversight mechanisms. DTE’s request to bypass public review has triggered intervention by the state’s top legal office, environmental-justice groups, and residents who question the long-term cost and climate impact of dedicating so much public energy capacity to a private AI campus.
The MPSC’s pending decision will determine whether Michigan subjects this record-scale development to full public scrutiny or allows it to proceed under expedited approval.
Eastside Environmental will continue tracking the case and publishing verified documents to ensure that residents, ratepayers, and policymakers have clear access to the facts shaping Michigan’s energy future.