Livingston County planning commission rejects farmland rezoning for AI data center

The Livingston County Planning Commission has unanimously voted against rezoning over 1,000 acres of farmland in Howell Township for a proposed AI data center supported by Meta. Local residents oppose the project, citing concerns about utility costs, water usage, and transparency. Developers, represented by attorney Michael Vogt, propose using "dry cooling" technology to mitigate water usage and have agreed to pay for infrastructure costs and adhere to noise and light control conditions. The Howell Township Board is set to consider a six-month moratorium on the project, with significant public support for the pause.