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.

The Silicon Flatirons Center for Law, Technology, and Entrepreneurship is an interdisciplinary research center at the University of Colorado Law School.