Data Centers in Our Communities Forum

Name: Data Centers in Our Communities Forum
Start: 2026-03-21T13:00:00-04:00
End: 2026-03-21T16:00:00-04:00
Location: Zimmer Hall

Schedule

Sat Mar 21 2026 at 01:00 pm to 04:00 pm

UTC-04:00

Location

Zimmer Hall | Cincinnati, OH

Join us for an important discussion on data centers in our communities.
On March 21st, 2026, the University of Cincinnati’s School of Environment and Sustainability senior students, in conjunction with grassroots advocacy leaders across Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana will host an interdisciplinary discussion of the impacts of data centers on local communities.
Organizers in communities across the country have been investigating and challenging development deals negotiated behind closed doors with local officials. These agreements are often subsidized with taxpayer dollars, while lacking public transparency. Such projects have raised serious environmental concerns, including poorly regulated noise, excessive water consumption, wastewater contaminants, and air pollution. Residents are also grappling with rising electricity costs tied to large-scale energy demand, while at the same time concerned for the public health implications of “bring your own” behind-the-meter energy solutions.
Guests include:
Prescott Balch - Former tech investor from Wisconsin and community advocate leader who blocked a data center proposal in his community
Molly Bryden, Policy Matters Ohio
Sean O’Leary, Fair Shake Environmental Legal Services
US House Representative Greg Landsman (OH-D)
Casey Putsch - Republican Candidate for Governor
Lew Lainhart - Republican Candidate for 40th District, Ohio Statehouse
Jordan Haire - Democratic Candidate for the 47th District, Ohio Statehouse
Ben Murray - Economist and Senior Researcher for Food and Water Watch
“In the midst of an unprecedented proliferation of data centers across the Midwest, constituents are left asking why protective regulations are not already in place,” says Jessica Sharp, from Wilmington Residents for Responsible Development. “We are determined to protect our families and our communities and have taken it upon ourselves to fill this knowledge gap and disperse it to every willing ear. This is our hill to die on.”
The Coalition for Responsible Development is a collaboration of community advocacy groups fighting for responsible development in our hometowns. For too long, corporations have operated by a separate set of rules than the rest of us. The exponential build-out of AI data centers has brought us together for the common goal of protecting our children, our homes, and our future.