Join Midwest BDC’s monthly Policy Power Hour

—a dynamic, one-hour session where coalition members unpack the latest legislative updates, regulatory shifts, and advocacy opportunities across the Midwest.
This Month’s topic:

ENERGYJUSTICE & DATA CENTERS

AI Data Centers and the Hidden Costs of Energy, Water, Air, and Noise

Last month, we explored the types of data centers, their impacts on community health and affordability, and what our members are doing to respond.

This month, we will ground ourselves in justice frameworks before revisiting what data centers are and why they’re growing so rapidly across the Midwest. We’ll examine how this expansion shapes grid stress, job creation, air quality, infrastructure, and long‑term community planning. Participants will leave equipped with tools to understand trade‑offs, ask informed questions, and advocate for upcoming state legislation, community‑centered protections for frontline communities, and health‑impact reparations.

Each session features:

• 🔍 Updates from the ground across the Midwest

• 🧭 Strategic insights on building decarbonization and energy justice

• 🗣️Interactive: Open discussion and Q&A with fellow advocates

• 📣 Calls to action and upcoming engagement opportunities

Who Should Attend:

Residents, community leaders, local government staff, environmental justice advocates, and anyone interested in how digital infrastructure affects energy systems and community well‑being.