A program titled Let’s Talk Data Centers: A McHenry County Community Conversation was held at McHenry County College on October 1, 2026. The program was sponsored by the non-profit organization Together We Stand McHenry County and featured fascinating presentations by three guest speakers addressing data center topics related to water use, energy use, and public policy. Due to technical difficulties, only the presentations on Water Use and Public Policy were recorded and are included on this video. However, the slides for the Energy Use presentation are available on the Environmental Defenders website. The program’s presentations included:
Water Use: Scott Kuykendall-Water Resources Specialist, McHenry County Planning and Development
Scott provided detailed information about sources of water in Illinois, how data centers use water, and opportunities to mitigate risk
Public Policy: Alison Lindburg, Director of Sustainability for the City of Aurora
Alison discussed the city’s experience regulating data centers after a 180-day moratorium on new development
Energy Use: Jim Chilson-Communications Director, Citizens Utility Board (CUB)
Jim addressed electricity demand, infrastructure, and potential implications for utility customers
