As AI drives rapid growth in data center construction across the U.S., lawmakers, communities, and industry leaders are grappling with how to responsibly and equitably power this infrastructure. This panel will explain the origins of the current data center boom, provide an overview of how these facilities are built, and examine details on their current energy and water demands, as well as projections for the future. Panelists will discuss emerging and alternative energy strategies, creative engineering solutions, and the policy choices shaping incentives and environmental protections, including community and environmental justice concerns. Featuring perspectives from law, policy, engineering, and industry, the discussion will offer a grounded look at how Colorado and other states can balance innovation, sustainability, and the public interest.
This lunch hour event serves as a primer for the 2026 AI Conference, Using AI Well — and Building a Data Infrastructure to Support It.
Presented by the Daniels Fund Ethics Initiative Collegiate Program at Colorado Law and Silicon Flatirons.
Led by Director Melanie Kay, the x Ethics Series will focus in the upcoming year on a variety of critical ethical implications and considerations arising from novel technologies and business practices. Sessions will feature keynote speakers, expert panels, and community discussion, often with ethics CLE credit available.
Sessions
Panel Discussion
Professor, University of Colorado Boulder
Colorado Policy Representative, Earthjustice