Students at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside organized a public forum on artificial intelligence data centers and their effects on surrounding communities.
Neighbors, elected officials and organizations attended the two-hour panel. Speakers included people from technology, state leadership and environmental groups.
Discussion covered water use, the electrical system, jobs and the environment, and neighbors used the question period to raise concerns about the proposed Kenosha project and its effect on their homes.
State Rep. Ben DeSmidt, who represents the 65th Assembly District, raised affordability as a central concern, saying construction and utility costs for a new industry should not be passed on to consumers.
Attendees described the panel as balanced, even though parts of the discussion became tense as different views were shared.
