The proposed bill, titled the "Data Center Thermal Impact and Community Protection Act," mandates that developers or operators of large-scale data centers submit thermal impact assessments prior to construction, expansion, or material modifications. This requirement aims to ensure that local governments and the public are informed about potential localized thermal impacts associated with such developments. The bill outlines the necessary components of the thermal impact assessment, including descriptions of baseline conditions, anticipated thermal impacts, and potential mitigation strategies. Additionally, it establishes a process for obtaining a certificate of completeness from the Michigan Public Service Commission, which must be issued before any construction can commence.

The legislation also includes provisions for civil penalties for violations, allowing for fines of up to $10,000 per day for non-compliance. It specifies that proprietary information within the assessments can be kept confidential, while public summaries must be made available to the public. The bill emphasizes the importance of transparency and planning in the evaluation of thermal impacts, while clarifying that it does not grant any new land use or permitting authority beyond the requirement for the thermal impact assessment. The act is set to take effect 90 days after being enacted into law.