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Judge Rejects Bid to Halt OpenAI–Oracle Data Center as DTE Nears Second Michigan Deal

The decision clears a legal hurdle for construction following state approval of a dedicated DTE power contract in December.

Overview

  • Washtenaw County Judge Julia Owdziej denied resident Kathryn Haushalter’s motion to intervene in the Saline Township lawsuit, calling the effort futile and untimely.
  • The judge cited substantial reliance on the consent judgment, noting site work already underway and a $40 million nonrefundable DTE deposit tied to the project.
  • DTE CEO Joi Harris said the utility expects to finalize an agreement within weeks to power a second major Michigan data center and is in advanced talks for about 3 gigawatts of new demand.
  • DTE plans to file special contracts by midyear and maintains that data center agreements will fully cover associated costs so existing ratepayers are not burdened.
  • The Norvell Township board moved to enact a temporary moratorium and draft data center rules, while Henrietta Township has already adopted an ordinance despite having no applications.