Register to join this DECF webinar. Learn why there is a growing voter backlash against hyperscale AI data centers in Florida and in the U.S., and how data centers are so environmentally destructive. This will be a major issue for Floridians in the November election. Once elected, learn how our Democratic lawmakers can protect us from this growing threat.
Learn about the scope of the problem:
- the consequences of data centers to Florida's fragile water supply, to our energy grid, to skyrocketing utility rates, air and water pollution, and destruction of wildlife and rural lands.
- broader issues: how AI and automation are creating job loss; how for-profit control of our information and data systems compromise our democracy.
Learn what legislative changes must occur, and how our regulatory agencies must change, to ensure that data centers are run on our behalf, and not on behalf of special interests.
For candidates: Learn about the issue, discuss engaging with voters on this growing threat, and when elected, the regulatory and legislative changes necessary to ensure centers are run on behalf of Floridians.
For voters: This is a platform to amplify your voice with elected officials and candidates, and a way to know what specific demands to make of candidates and your representatives.
Our panelists will take your questions. We look forward to seeing you there!
Panelists and Agenda:
Michelle Deatrick, Founder and Chair of the DNC Environmental and Climate Crisis Council. Michelle has joined communities and candidates across the U.S. in the fight against the excesses of data centers, will bring an understanding of how data centers have affected our communities, and how candidates can discuss data centers with voters.
Maily Kocinski, lifelong Wisconsin resident, educator, rural landowner. Maily lives downstream from Beaver Dam’s new Meta data center and will share the consequences to her from the perspective of a rural resident, her fight to protect her land and nearby waters from well-funded, well-paid utilities and their lawyers, and her decision to join the national fight against these intrusive projects.
Judy Freiberg, DECF President, will explain the Data Center legislation passed this year, in Florida, then suggest amendments to the act, reforms to PSC and the FDEP, federal legislation prohibiting data center monopolies, restoration of the EPA and agency authority to set and enforce pollution and GHG emission standards.
Richard Grosso, Broward County DECF chapter president and environmental lawyer will discuss land use policy
Reinaldo Diaz, former Lake Worth City Councilmember, Lake Worth Waterkeeper will discuss the how data centers threaten our aquifers, water supply and water quality.
Democratic leaders in Florida counties where hyperscale data centers are proposed will join the discussion: Palm Beach, Martin, Polk, St. Lucie, Okeechobee, Citrus - and existing data centers moving towards hyperscale expansion: Miami-Dade, Duval, Palm Beach