Wisconsin Data Centers: Power & Water Town Hall Meeting

Mon Feb 23 2026 at 05:00 pm to 07:00 pm UTC-06:00

Turner Hall Ballroom | Milwaukee

Jim Fitzhenry
Publisher/HostJim Fitzhenry
Wisconsin Data Centers: Power & Water Town Hall Meeting
Advertisement
Join the Journal Sentinel for answers to your questions about data center water and power usage along with a conversation with two experts.
About this Event

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.




Event Photos
Agenda

🕑: 05:00 PM - 05:10 PM
Welcome and opening remarks from emcee Kristin Brey

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.


🕑: 05:10 PM - 05:30 PM
Answers to most frequent questions about power and water usage

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.


🕑: 05:30 PM - 06:15 PM
In conversation with Arthur Harrington on energy issues

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.


🕑: 06:15 PM - 07:00 PM
In conversation with Melissa Scanlan on water usage

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.


Advertisement

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Turner Hall Ballroom, 1040 North Vel R. Phillips Avenue, Milwaukee, United States

Tickets

USD 0.00

Icon
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

Ask AI if this event suits you:

More Events in Milwaukee

MANIA: The ABBA Tribute
Sun, 22 Feb at 07:30 pm MANIA: The ABBA Tribute

Pabst Theater

Haffway at Shank Hall
Sun, 22 Feb at 08:00 pm Haffway at Shank Hall

Shank Hall

Toronto Raptors at Milwaukee Bucks
Sun, 22 Feb Toronto Raptors at Milwaukee Bucks

Fiserv Forum

Caf\u00e9 Coraz\u00f3n Margarita Making Masterclass
Sun, 22 Feb at 09:00 pm Café Corazón Margarita Making Masterclass

Café Corazón

MANIA: The ABBA Tribute
Mon, 23 Feb MANIA: The ABBA Tribute

Pabst Theater

Join Borna & Mandy for Fred Usinger Day!
Mon, 23 Feb at 03:00 pm Join Borna & Mandy for Fred Usinger Day!

Old German Beer Hall

Wheel - Band
Mon, 23 Feb at 06:00 pm Wheel - Band

Shank Hall

DRAW! at Dandy with ACM Designs
Mon, 23 Feb at 06:00 pm DRAW! at Dandy with ACM Designs

Dandy

MONDAY Night TRIVIA!
Mon, 23 Feb at 07:00 pm MONDAY Night TRIVIA!

Eckbar- The German Corner Bar

The I Owe Youth Foundation's Documentary Premier!
Mon, 23 Feb at 07:00 pm The I Owe Youth Foundation's Documentary Premier!

The Lynq Ultra Lounge

Socks in the Frying Pan
Mon, 23 Feb at 08:00 pm Socks in the Frying Pan

Shank Hall

Nine Inch Nails at Fiserv Forum
Mon, 23 Feb at 08:00 pm Nine Inch Nails at Fiserv Forum

Fiserv Forum

Milwaukee is Happening!

Never miss your favorite happenings again!

Explore Milwaukee Events