AI Data Centers and the Future of Our Communities

A.I. Data Centers and the Future of Our Communities: A.I. is on the rise. And the data centers that power them are poised to proliferate into our communities. This timely and important panel will discuss the impact of data center construction and operation on our communities. The panel of lawyers and activists will examine the following: (1) air quality surrounding data centers; (2) rising cost of utilities to consumers; and (3) the availability of water for personal consumption and use.  

The discussion will provide an overview of these issues and focus on specific examples including the construction and operation of the xAI data center in Tennessee and the falling water levels across the Great Lakes. While the use of A.I. technology is slowly becoming the norm, this panel will share the potential costs of their use and what we can do as consumers to protect community resources.

Moderator:

Chandra Taylor-Sawyer, Esq., Senior Attorney and Environmental Justice Initiative Leader, Southern Environmental Law Center

Speakers:

Amanda Garcia, Esq., Senior Attorney and Data Center Project Leader, Southern Environmental Law Center 

Raya Salter, Esq., Adjunct Professor of Law, Cardozo Law 

Nayyirah Shariff, Director, Flint Rising