Kalamazoo County to Host Educational Panel on Data Centers & Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
- Climax - The Podcast
- Jun 18
- 3 min read
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 06.15.2026 |
Kalamazoo County to Host Educational Panel on Data Centers & Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
KALAMAZOO, Mich. – Kalamazoo County Government will host an educational panel discussion on data centers and battery energy storage systems (BESS) on Thursday, June 25, 2026, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Dale B. Lake Auditorium on the Texas Township Campus of Kalamazoo Valley Community College.
As data centers and battery energy storage systems continue to spark discussion in communities across Michigan and throughout the country, the event is intended to provide residents with factual, balanced information from subject-matter experts.
The educational panel will explore topics such as public health, energy and water use, land use, economic development, energy infrastructure, and other community considerations associated with these technologies. The discussion will be moderated by Sarah Drumm, Economic Mobility Manager.
“People are hearing more about data centers and battery energy storage systems, but many are still looking for clear, reliable information about what these technologies are and how they may affect communities,” said Taylor Van Winkle, Climate Sustainability Manager. “We created this panel to bring together experts with different perspectives and areas of expertise so residents can explore the questions, opportunities, and concerns surrounding these technologies in an educational setting.”
Panelists currently scheduled to participate include:
Dr. Sarah Mills, Director of the Center for EmPowering Communities at the University of Michigan Graham Sustainability Institute and Professor of Practice in Urban & Regional Planning
Dr. Liesl Clark, Director of Climate Action Engagement at the University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability and former Director of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE)
Elizabeth Montez, Representative of Miigwech, Inc., a nonprofit organization established in connection to the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians that promotes community well-being and Mino-Bimaadiziwin (“The Good Life”) through education, engagement, and service
Dr. John Kinch, Executive Director of Michigan Energy Options and Board President for the Great Lakes Energy Association
Tyler Theile, Vice President & COO, Director of Public Policy & Economic Analysis at the Anderson Economic Group
Residents are encouraged to submit questions in advance through the County’s online project page by Friday, June 19. Questions submitted through the project page may be grouped by topic, combined with similar questions, or summarized for clarity to help inform panel discussions. Attendees will also have an opportunity to submit questions during the event. Due to time limitations, not all questions may be addressed.
This event is educational in nature. It is not tied to a specific project or proposal, is not a public hearing, and no decisions will be made. The purpose is to provide factual, balanced information, address common questions, and create an opportunity for residents to learn from subject matter experts.
The panel discussion will be recorded by Public Media Network and made available online following the event.
Event Details
Date: Thursday, June 25, 2026
Time: 5:00 – 7 :00 PM
Location: Dale B. Lake Auditorium
Kalamazoo Valley Community College – Texas Township Campus
6767 W. O Ave.
Kalamazoo, MI 49009
This event is free and open to the public. Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Doors open at 4:30 p.m.
Interview Opportunities
Interview opportunities with Taylor Van Winkle will be available June 22 and 23 for members of the media interested in learning more about the panel discussion's purpose, format, and educational goals. To schedule, please contact Van Winkle directly at taylor.vanwinkle@kalcounty.gov.
No media interview will be conducted during the event itself. Media representatives are welcome to attend the panel discussion.
Comments