Op-ed
The AI Boom Doesn’t Have to Resurrect Fossil Fuels. The Midwest Can Show the Way
The AI Boom Doesn’t Have to Resurrect Fossil Fuels. The Midwest Can Show the Way
September 20, 2026
Crain's Detroit Business
Clean energy, climate policy, grid operations, and sustainable infrastructure experts, Gary Dorris, Kerry Duggan, Jigar Shah, and James Connaughton, outline a vision for meeting the Midwest’s growing demand for AI infrastructure through regenerative data centers powered by clean energy, battery storage, and water-efficient cooling. With thoughtful design and strong community and environmental protections, these facilities could strengthen the grid, reduce emissions and noise, conserve water, and generate significant tax revenue, jobs, and investment across Michigan and the broader Midwest.