WCVStories

Full Event: When a data center comes to town, featuring Charlie Berens

Data centers took center stage at a community forum in Port Washington, Wisconsin in February 2026.

Port Washington, Wisconsin

Data Center

February 11, 2026

During the event, comedian Charlie Berens delivered a sharp and spirited speech on how large-scale data centers could shape Wisconsin’s future. Panelists followed with a discussion on the financial and environmental implications of these proposed projects, sparked by the construction of the OpenAI data center in Port Washington. The event was hosted by Great Lakes Neighbors United (GLNU).

Hear from:

  • Christine Le Jeune, Great Lakes Neighbors United
  • Matt Rismeyer, Great Lakes Neighbors United
  • Charlie Berens, Comedian
  • Prescott Balch, Caledonia resident
  • Dan Eastman, Attorney
  • Medhavi Ambardar, Lake Michigan Bird Observatory
  • Cheryl Nenn, Milwaukee Riverkeeper
  • Paula Pintar, Wisconsin Department of Public Health

In this viral clip, Charlie Berens spoke with us about data centers in Wisconsin

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