Dear Friends and Neighbors,
As summer gets underway here in our community, I hope you’ve had a chance to enjoy time with family, neighbors and everything that makes this area special. Below you will find a few updates on the work we’ve been doing and what it means for our residents here at home.
Wayne Disposal Radioactive Waste Update
On May 27, our community saw a major victory when Judge Kevin Cox granted a permanent injunction blocking Wayne Disposal from accepting radioactive waste from Manhattan Project-era cleanup sites. This decision reinforces what residents and local leaders have been saying all along, which is that this waste posed a real threat to public health, environmental safety and our shared resources.
This outcome happened because residents spoke up, local governments took action and people refused to back down. While this ruling is a major win, Michigan still needs stronger laws and safeguards to ensure that no community is ever put in this position again.
I will continue pushing for legislative action that protects our residents, our water and our future. I have introduced House Bill 4393 to curb the flow of hazardous waste in our community which, if enacted, would create a comprehensive plan to modernize Michigan’s hazardous waste management system. I have also introduced HB 5788, which requires EGLE to meaningfully review and respond to public comments before approving permits for projects that may impact public health, safety or the environment.
In January, EGLE issued a permit for expansion to the Wayne Disposal hazardous waste landfill in Van Buren Township. This decision affects the health and safety of 350,000 people within a 10-mile radius of the landfill, and I have been standing alongside residents since the beginning to push back against the proposed expansion of this landfill. An administrative appeal has been filed challenging EGLE’s decision, and I will continue to share updates about this issue.
Update on Data Centers
Over the last year, Michigan communities have seen several data center proposals, including many in southeast Michigan and multiple proposals within our district. I’ve heard from countless residents about their concerns, and I have been busy introducing legislation to protect Michigan’s residents from the potential negative consequences of data center development.
As you may know, the hyperscale data center in Saline Township requested and was granted from the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) an ex parte application request, which meant there were no extended public hearings where residents could voice their concerns. To increase transparency and community input, I’ve introduced HB 5982 which would prohibit ex parte requests for data center development. This legislation would require cases to be heard in a contested manner at the MPSC to ensure residents can weigh in on data center projects proposed in or near their communities.
Michigan’s power grid, water systems and data infrastructure are increasingly being targeted by cyberattacks, and consequences like outages, service disruptions and expensive recovery efforts can drive up costs for families. For these reasons, I’ve introduced a package of bills to require stronger cybersecurity standards for critical infrastructure like data centers, electric and gas utilities, battery energy storage systems and public water supply systems. Existing federal standards don’t cover everything, and this bill package sets proactive expectations to avoid a patchwork response after something goes wrong.
As demand for large-scale data infrastructure increases, many local governments are being approached by developers with complex proposals without clear guidance in place. I have introduced HB 5846, which would create data center overlay districts as a planning option to give communities the tools they need to responsibly and transparently plan for this rapidly expanding industry. This bill enables thoughtful planning at the local level by giving communities the ability to designate appropriate areas, set standards and ensure that potential development aligns with their local priorities and goals. This bill provides clarity, reduces conflict and will help protect residents from potential impacts on energy demand, water usage and infrastructure. Overlay districts don’t signal that communities are looking for data center development, but instead they create clear and predictable standards which make it easier for communities to plan and be prepared.
I’ve also introduced HB 5399 to prohibit local elected officials from signing non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) when discussing potential data center developments, because our residents deserve transparency. Michigan’s residents deserve transparency and the opportunity to have open and honest dialogue with their elected officials, and this bill will help prevent secret deals to ensure that is happening. I’ve also introduced HR 240, which urges a temporary pause on state tax credits for data center construction, requests a comprehensive review of the fiscal, utility, environmental and local governance impacts of data center development in Michigan, and directs House committees to review these issues.
Earlier this year, I submitted two bills to protect our communities from reckless data center development and the potential long-term impacts that can come from these facilities. The first bill, HB 5776, sets statewide policy and closes loopholes that allow colleges and universities to build or partner on data centers to access local property tax abatements meant for educational facilities and intended for economic development. The second bill, HB 5777, known as the Large-Scale Data Center Lifecycle Responsibility Act, would require data centers in Michigan to register with the state, disclose operational impacts such as energy and water use, and hold financial security to cover review and decommissioning costs before beginning operations. It also mandates financial safeguards, oversight and prevailing wages to ensure transparency and protect taxpayers and workers from environmental, infrastructure and financial risks.
I’ve also worked with state Rep. Jimmie Wilson, Jr. (D-Ypsilanti) to introduce legislation that would require members of the MPSC to be elected rather than appointed. This bill package would also expand the MPSC from three members to five members. If enacted, Michigan would become the 11th state to elect its public service commissioners. Michigan’s residents should have a say in the commission that sets utility rates, sites large scale projects like data centers and regulates utility companies. By electing our Public Service Commission, we can ensure that the MPSC is directly accountable to the residents of the state who have to live with the commission’s decisions
These data center proposals come after tax breaks were passed by the state legislature in 2024. I firmly voted “NO” on these tax credits because I believe our district and communities across Michigan deserve a say in major developments that impact our neighborhoods. Residents have been outspoken across Michigan with their concerns about data center construction, and I stand with them in opposing projects that lack proper accountability and transparency. Together, we can advocate for stronger regulations and responsible solutions that protect our interests and safeguard our future.
Huntington’s Disease Awareness Month
On May 13 I spoke on the House floor to introduce a resolution to officially recognize Huntington’s Disease Awareness Month in the state of Michigan. Huntington’s Disease is a devastating neurodegenerative condition that affects movement, cognition and emotional health. In rare cases, it can also affect children. There is currently no cure for this terrible disease, and by raising awareness we can support families and caregivers, recognize the strength of those who live with this disease every day and work towards a cure.
Update on Proposed Romulus Detention Facility
Earlier this year, many residents raised serious concerns about a proposed federal detention facility in Romulus. I heard from families, local leaders and community members who were worried about the location and the potential impact on nearby neighborhoods, schools and public safety resources.
Recently, it’s been announced that federal officials will not move forward with plans to convert the Romulus warehouse into a detention center and instead intend to sell the property. This decision follows legal action taken by the City of Romulus and the State of Michigan, along with strong community input throughout the process.
Local leadership, including the Mayor of Romulus, made it clear that while enforcement of our laws is important, this location was not appropriate for a facility of this kind due to its proximity to residential areas and the strain it could place on local resources.
I will continue to monitor this situation closely and remain focused on ensuring that major decisions affecting our communities are made with transparency, proper review and input from the people who call these neighborhoods home.
Recent District Events
In April I attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Romulus Fire Station to celebrate the arrival of the Romulus Fire Department’s new fire truck. Last year, I fought hard to successfully secure funding in the state budget for this vehicle. This new truck will contribute to better response times and increased public and firefighter safety. I am grateful for the help of the Romulus Director of Community Safety & Development, the Mayor of Romulus, city and state leadership, all of our firefighters and everyone else who worked with me to make this possible.
My office attended the 4th Annual Women’s Resource Fair in April. This event was hosted by the Wayne County Women’s Commission and had over 600 attendees who joined to learn about a variety of services, resources and opportunities in Wayne County. In May, I joined Commissioner Al Wilson’s coffee hour at Wayne County Community College District in Belleville to hear directly from residents about the issues impacting our community. This was a great opportunity to listen and have meaningful conversations with the people we represent. In June, my office attended the Romulus Juneteenth Community Celebration. This wonderful event was held in Romulus Historical Park, featured entertainment and vendors, and was a gathering to remember the past and celebrate the future.
I also had the pleasure of presenting three tributes this month. The first was to Owen Intermediate School in Van Buren Township, in recognition of their library media center achieving exemplary status as a Michigan School Library for 21st Century Schools under the School Library 21 program. The library media center at Owen is a valuable hub for students to check out books and develop valuable life skills. Congratulations to Owen Library Media Specialist Jonathan Richards for his outstanding work to achieve this status!
The second tribute was given to Milan Dairy Barn to recognize their 70th year in business. It’s rare for a small business to thrive for seven decades, and the Dairy Barn has become a cherished part of Milan’s identity and has contributed to wonderful memories for generations of families. Congratulations to owner Thomas Kujawa and the entire Dairy Barn team for helping achieve this incredible milestone!
The third tribute was presented to Aid in Milan in recognition of their 50th year in operation. This incredible organization has remained an essential source of support for residents in Milan for decades, offering food assistance, home-delivered meals, rent and utility crisis intervention, and job search assistance. I commend them for their tremendous impact and wish them all the best for continued success.
Sincerely,
State Representative Reggie Miller
Michigan’s 31st House District
Phone: 517-373-0159
Email: [email protected]