Our communities, our terms

Data centers

Abdul supports pausing new AI data centers until independent scientists certify frontier AI as safe, alongside protections for local power, water, and jobs.

If you promise jobs, deliver those jobs.

WHAT HE HAS SAID

• Says data centers must pay for their own energy demand, so costs are not passed on to ratepayers.
• Wants communities to have a meaningful say in project approvals and community-benefits packages.
• Says your power should not get less reliable because a data center moved in, and that the data center should pay for the fixes.
• Says data centers should deliver the local jobs they promise or face penalties, and be built by Michigan contractors running registered apprenticeships.
• Wants projects to use closed-loop cooling so they do not stress or pollute local water.
• Wants projects to include binding community-benefits agreements for local infrastructure, grid improvements, burying power lines, and upgrading water treatment.
• Says utilities should not be able to use data-center projects to weaken or sidestep clean-energy laws.
• Says every one of these commitments has to be enforceable, with real penalties when a company breaks them.
• Supports pausing new AI data centers while frontier AI awaits independent safety certification, alongside enforceable federal zoning and community protections.

Primary sources

• Read the Terms of Engagement position — Abdul for U.S. Senate
• Read the Money in Your Pocket position — Abdul for U.S. Senate
• Read the October 13 AI safety plan — Abdul for U.S. Senate

Last reviewed 2026-08-19.