Wisconsin Data Centers: Power & Water Town Hall Meeting

Data centers have become a contentious issue, as several massive projects have been proposed or recently approved in Wisconsin. In December, The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel asked readers to send us their questions -- and nearly 300 responded. The majority centered on how much water and electricity data centers use and the impact on local resources. Therefore, the first of three planned community events will center on answering your questions on water and power. In addition, the event will feature experts on water and electrical usage who will help put the issues into context.

The panelists include:

Arthur Harrington is an attorney at Godfrey and Kahn who specializes in environmental and energy law and teaches the first energy law course offered at Marquette Law School.

Melissa K. Scanlan is the Director of the Center for Water Policy at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee School of Freshwater Sciences.

Sponsored by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and Pabst Theater Group.

Info: Journal Sentinel Ideas Lab columnist Kristin Brey will welcome guests, talk about the ground rules and outline how this town hall meeting started with a request for readers to share their questions and perspectives on data centers. The issue is so complex and the response so overwhelming that we plan two other town hall meetings to continue digging into data centers.

Info: The Journal Sentinel received more than 250 questions from readers. Reporters answer the most common ones on energy and water to help set the stage for more in-depth discussions with two experts.

Info: Energy expert Arthur Harrington will discuss the complex issues around energy generation, the power grid and utility bills with Kristin Brey and Journal Sentinel Business Editor Jim Nelson. The last 15 minutes will feature audience questions.

Info: Water expert Melissa Scanlan will discuss the issues around water usage and discharge with Kristin Brey and Journal Sentinel Great Lakes reporter Caitlin Looby. The last 15 minutes will feature audience questions.

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Host or Publisher Jim Fitzhenry