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AI, Data Centers & Climate – Current Landscape and Priorities

October 22, 2025 @ 10:20 am - 11:50 am

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About Session

AI-driven data center development is creating urgent questions for investors. Even as it’s become a major driver of industrial, investment and government policy, it remains challenging to assess risks and identify best practices for engagement purposes. This boom is bringing a surge in power-thirsty data centers, but the energy needs and climate footprint remain a moving and often hazy target. Affected communities and allied organizations across the country are increasingly vocal about consequences from the data center build-out, as it impacts local air quality, water, grid reliability, health, and utility bills. In this session we will explore the current state-of-play for this critical issue and discuss engagement tools and options for two key industries: electric utilities and tech companies.

Speakers

Mckenna Beck

Mckenna Beck

Climate Solutions Fellow, NRDC
Ann Bennett

Ann Bennett

Data Center Issues Chair, Sierra Club-Virginia Chapter
Bill Green

Bill Green

Managing Partner, Climate Adaptive Infrastructure
Kelly Poole

Kelly Poole

Climate and Energy Coordinator, As You Sow
Dave Rogers

Dave Rogers

Deputy Director, Beyond Coal, Sierra Club