For Friday, April 25, 2025

1 – Artificial intelligence is putting pressure on the Great Lakes. 

A policy manager with the nonprofit Alliance for the Great Lakes is out with a blog post on the cost of data centers in the region. 

The Great Lakes are protected from water diversions outside the basin. But massive, water-intensive industries like hyperscale data centers are rapidly expanding across the region.

Generative AI and cloud computing are driving the demand for these facilities, which can use up to 5 million gallons of water per day, much of it lost to evaporation.

Yet most states lack clear reporting requirements or laws that factor water availability into economic development incentives. This creates blind spots in long-term planning. 

With climate change reshaping water availability and more than 40 percent of Great Lakes residents relying on groundwater, the alliance warns of a need for smarter regulation, transparency and impact assessments to protect the region’s finite water supply.

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2 – Bay City’s sister city has committed to protecting Lake Huron. 

Goderich, Ontario, joined Bay City this week in the Lake Huron Forever initiative. It’s the first Canadian city to sign on. 

If you look at a map, you can find Goderich directly east of Bay City, across from the Thumb. 

Other Lake Huron Forever cities include Alpena, Au Gres and Oscoda Township.

Taking the Lake Huron Forever pledge commits the towns to protecting water quality by reducing stormwater runoff, preserving natural areas and engaging community members in conservation.

Goderich, Bay City and the others involved will share best practices and expertise in water quality protection, according to Huron Pines, the nonprofit that’s coordinating the work. 

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3 – Michigan has a Healthy Climate Challenge of its own. The program, announced this week, will award millions of dollars in grants to projects that help meet goals of a state Healthy Climate Plan. 

The plan includes a strategy to reach 100 percent carbon neutrality by 2050. Carbon neutrality means that any carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere is balanced by an equivalent amount being removed. This is aimed at mitigating the worst impacts of climate change. 

The first competition in the Healthy Climate Challenge is called Solar for Savings. Almost $8.9 million in grants will go to residential and community solar projects. 

More info on how to apply is online at Michigan.gov/MHCChallenge. 

– Mr. Great Lakes is heard at 6:45 and 8:45 Friday mornings on Delta College Public Radio 90.1 FM WUCX in University Center, Michigan, near Bay City (listen live). Follow @jeffkart on Twitter #MrGreatLakes