RockBuzz Stateline's Post
As the topic of data centers generates heated discussion throughout the area, Beloit Public Library will host a special presentation of its popular The Civics Academy series aimed at helping residents understand both the potential benefits and concerns surrounding these hyperscale developments. Accurate Information about Data Centers: Economic, Energy, and Environmental Impacts will be presented from 12:00 -1:15 p.m. on Wednesday, August 19, at Beloit Public Library, located at 605 Eclipse Boulevard. Presenter Art Harrington will examine the economic, energy, and environmental considerations associated with data centers, including potential benefits and drawbacks. The goal is to give attendees facts they can use to better understand the issues and draw their own conclusions. Data centers have become a particularly timely issue locally, as local government bodies consider how to respond to development proposals while residents raise questions and concerns about their potential impacts. With strong opinions on both sides, The Civics Academy presentation is intended to provide something different: an opportunity to learn about the issue without advocating for or against data center development. Harrington is an attorney practicing environmental law at Godfrey & Kahn and an adjunct professor at Marquette University, where he has taught energy law since 2012. The Civics Academy is a Beloit Public Library educational series designed to help residents better understand issues that affect their community and participate more knowledgeably in civic life. Registration is not required, but encouraged at beloitlibrary.org/about-us/civicsacademy/ or by phone at (608)364-2905. For this session, attendees are encouraged to bring their own lunch. Light refreshments will be provided. Additional dates, topics, and presenters for the 2026-27 series season will be announced soon. For more information about The Civics Academy, visit https://beloitlibrary.org/about-us/civicsacademy/