Artificial Impact (AI): How the Rapid Development of Hyperscale Data Centers Impacts Michigan Communities (Hybrid) - Earth Day 2026 Event

Doug Bessette, an Associate Professor for Energy Systems in the Department of Community Sustainability, will discuss the current and potential impacts of continued investment in and development of hyperscale data centers in Michigan. Building on nearly a decade of research at MSU examining the impacts of other large-scale energy infrastructure in Michigan, particularly wind and solar farms, Doug will discuss how the current policy environment encourages data-center development, how recent data-center proposals in central and southeastern Michigan have ignited controversy, and the potential environmental, energy and social impacts of both data centers and continued investment in and adoption of artificial intelligence.

This is a hybrid event. No registration is required in-person participation. Please come to the Digital Scholarship Lab located on the second floor of the west wing of the MSU Main Library.

For more information, please visit the MSU Libraries event page.