Microsoft doesn’t expect its data centers will trigger review under Great Lakes Compact

A Microsoft official said Tuesday the company doesn’t expect its data centers in the Great Lakes region will reach a threshold that would trigger greater review under the Great Lakes Compact.

The remarks came during a panel discussion about data centers, their water use and the landmark agreement that largely bars water diversions outside the Great Lakes basin.  The event was hosted by the Conference of Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors & Premiers, which works to protect 20 percent of the Earth’s fresh water.

Microsoft Corp. is investing $20 billion in data centers at Mount Pleasant, which can divert Great Lakes water because the community straddles the basin line. The company is also building data center campuses in Michigan and Indiana, which are among eight Great Lakes states that are subject to the compact.