Beer, bratwurst & data centers: Wisconsin comedian who takes jabs at Big Tech visits Arizona

Wisconsin comedian Charlie Berens, known for his folksy humor, has incorporated the impact of Big Tech, AI, and data centers into his comedy routine. Berens, currently on his Lost and Found tour, expressed his concerns in an interview with 12News and Power & Influence, stating that while the topic can be depressing, he aims to make it humorous and accessible. His activism was sparked by a plan to build a hyperscale AI data center in Wisconsin, prompting him to speak out against the lack of transparency between public utilities, private industry, and local governments. Berens highlights potential issues such as increased electricity costs for consumers and significant environmental impacts, particularly concerning water usage. He noted witnessing citizens oppose proposals only for local leaders to approve them. Berens advocates for new transparency laws, especially to ban non-disclosure agreements and secret financial contracts between data centers and public utilities, a sentiment echoed by consumer groups. He argues that the tech industry's 'move fast and break things' approach is incompatible with long-term community planning and risk management for public resources. Despite his growing influence on social media, Berens maintains he has no political aspirations, believing his comedy is an effective platform for educating the public.