The Kalamazoo Township Board of Trustees adopted two temporary moratoriums, pausing new applications for battery energy storage facilities and data centers.
The board unanimously adopted Ordinance No. 646, a moratorium on battery energy storage facilities, and Ordinance No. 647, a moratorium on data centers, during its July 27 meeting. Both ordinances had their first reading at the board’s July 13 meeting, the battery storage ordinance was numbered 645 at that time and renumbered to 646 before adoption, and passed by roll call vote at both meetings.
The battery storage moratorium halts the township’s acceptance and processing of new applications for battery energy storage systems (BESS) while the Planning Commission studies the use and considers possible ordinance amendments. According to the agenda request form submitted by the Township Planner and Superintendent, large-scale solar and wind energy projects are unlikely to locate in the township due to land requirements, but the moratorium responds to public concern raised in other local municipalities following the passage of state Public Act 233 of 2023. The ordinance also cites pending litigation against the Michigan Public Service Commission over that law’s implementation as a reason for the township to study its regulatory options in more detail. The moratorium remains in effect until the township adopts new or amended regulations addressing BESS facilities, whichever comes first, and the board may extend it by resolution.
The data center moratorium similarly pauses new applications for one year, giving the township time to study data centers as a land use. The agenda request form notes that data centers are not currently permitted in the township, but officials want to plan for the possibility given Michigan’s attractiveness as a data center location, citing the state’s underground water availability among the draws. The ordinance also notes that the Michigan Legislature is separately studying data centers as a land use and may consider its own legislation. Like the battery storage moratorium, this one can be extended or shortened once the township develops applicable standards and regulations.
Both moratoriums take effect upon publication.
