The Howell Township Board unanimously voted May 11 to extend an existing data center moratorium for another six months, lasting until November 2026.
The moratorium, initially passed in November 2025, limits the establishing, permitting, consideration, approval, location, construction or installation of data centers.
The measure was designed to give officials time to draft and approve new regulations. Should those regulations be completed before six months expire, the moratorium will automatically terminate.
The measure was installed after the collective outcry of residents against a data center proposed on more than 1,000 acres. Afterward, trustees created the Resident Research Committee – tasking members with researching ordinances on data centers and cryptocurrency mining facilities passed by other communities across the country.
The committee has been working closely with the Howell Township Planning Commission to draft a comprehensive ordinance, but both bodies need additional time.
Meanwhile, several other municipalities in Livingston County have begun work on regulations of their own, should tech companies set their sights on adjacent rural communities. Once passed, the ordinance in Howell Township will likely serve as a model for neighbors.
— Contact reporter Tess Ware at tware@livingstondaily.com.
This article originally appeared on Livingston Daily: Howell Township votes to extend data center moratorium. Here’s why
Reporting by Tess Ware, Livingston Daily / Livingston Daily
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