June 30, 2026 9:15p
(WGTD)---Charlie Berens’ complaints against data centers extend well beyond issues relating to power, water and land use.
Appearing in Kenosha Tuesday night, the Wisconsin comedian made clear his concerns encompass the motivations for building the massive data centers in the first place and with broader issues. "Even while polling shows that 70% of registered Wisconsin voters think that the detriments of these data centers outweigh the benefits, they're still racing full speed ahead because Big Tech cares about the next quarter but we are here tonight because we care about the next generation," Berens said to applause and cheers.
Filling the Rhode Center for the Arts in downtown Kenosha, Berens told jokes, staked out his position and participated in a panel discussion with several experts. "Really, at the end of the day, I'm just here because I want Kenosha to decide the future of Kenosha," he said. "I don't want Big Tech to decide the future of Kenosha."
In the coming weeks, Microsoft is expected to submit site plans for a proposed data center in Kenosha west of I-94 and north of STH 142. It’ll be up to the city council to strike a development agreement with Microsoft.
Berens has made several appearances around the state in communities that are targeted for data centers.
As for a comedian crossing over into matters that aren’t terribly funny, Berens said: "Some people have said stick with comedy. And that's fine. I want to stick with comedy... (But) I'll stick to comedy when our politicians stick to policy and stop protecting Big Tech and starting protecting the people that put them into office."
Berens’ appearance in Kenosha was co-sponsored by Kenoshans United Against a Microsoft Data Center.
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