Keeping Current Lunch & Learn: Data Centers and Our Water | Tuesday, July 7 at Noon | Zoom (Virtual)

Our next Keeping Current Lunch & Learn webinar will focus on data centers and their emerging implications for our water resources, wildlife, and communities.

As interest in large-scale data center development continues to grow across our region, it is critical that local governments take a proactive approach to protecting water resources, preserving wildlife habitat, and maintaining community quality of life.

Data centers can place significant demands on water and energy resources, making thoughtful planning and sustainable development practices essential.

Local governments need to establish enforceable standards for data center development, implement water and energy conservation measures, require resilient and sustainable planning and operations, ensure public transparency and community engagement, and protect wetlands and wildlife habitat.

The webinar will begin with an overview of the issue and introductions to our panelists, followed by a moderated discussion exploring key questions related to data center development and its potential impacts. The event will conclude with a Q&A session from the audience, providing participants an opportunity to engage directly with the panelists and discuss potential solutions and policy considerations.

This discussion will feature an esteemed panel of experts who bring a range of perspectives to discuss the opportunities and challenges associated with data center development in our region.

Meet the Panelists

Lisa Rinaman, St. Johns Riverkeeper

Lisa Rinaman is your St. Johns Riverkeeper. She leads efforts to protect and restore the St. Johns River through advocacy, policy, and community engagement. Her work includes holding regulatory agencies and polluters accountable, identifying and advancing solutions to improve river health, and collaborating with government entities, businesses, community leaders, and residents to address issues impacting the river. Lisa also works extensively with the media and the public to raise awareness and inspire action on critical river-related issues throughout the watershed.

Zoë Tressel, Research and Data Consultant for St. Johns Riverkeeper

Zoë Tressel serves as a Research and Data Consultant for St. Johns Riverkeeper’s advocacy team. In this role, she supports research, data analysis, and policy initiatives that advance the protection and restoration of the St. Johns River. Her work helps inform advocacy efforts by providing scientific and technical insights on emerging environmental issues affecting the watershed.

Ryan Smart, Executive Director, Florida Springs Council

Ryan Smart serves as the Executive Director of the Florida Springs Council (FSC), a statewide organization dedicated to protecting and restoring Florida’s springs and waterways. He holds a master’s degree in Political Science with a focus on Water Policy and Public Administration from the University of Florida and was recognized for his environmental leadership as the 2017 Bob Graham Center Young Floridian of the Year.

Since becoming FSC’s first Executive Director in 2018, Ryan has led statewide advocacy efforts focused on water conservation, land protection, and environmental policy. Prior to joining the Florida Springs Council, he served as Director of the Florida Conservation Coalition and President of 1000 Friends of Florida, bringing extensive experience in environmental advocacy and public policy.

Emily Floore, Executive Director & Riverkeeper, St. Marys Riverkeeper

Emily Floore serves as the Executive Director and Riverkeeper for St. Marys Riverkeeper, where she leads efforts to protect and restore the St. Marys River watershed and the communities that depend on it. As the river’s leading advocate, she works to safeguard the health, beauty, and resilience of the watershed for current and future generations.

Through advocacy, education, collaboration, and community engagement, Emily works with community members, partner organizations, and decision-makers to address threats to the river and advance sustainable solutions. Her leadership helps ensure that the St. Marys River remains a thriving natural resource and a cherished part of the region’s identity.

Kimberleigh Dinkins, Policy & Planning Director, 1000 Friends of Florida

Kimberleigh Dinkins serves as the Policy & Planning Director for 1000 Friends of Florida, where she works with citizens and communities on critical growth and development issues affecting the state’s future. She also advocates before the Florida Legislature to advance policies that promote sound community planning and protect Florida’s lands, waters, and quality of life.

With more than 15 years of experience in natural resource policy and management, Kim brings extensive expertise in environmental planning, conservation, and water resource protection. Prior to joining 1000 Friends of Florida in 2023, she served in a variety of roles, including Senior Conservation Associate with Save the Manatee Club, Senior Planner and Water Resources Coordinator for Marion County, Environmental Consultant for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and Environmental Scientist for a water pollution control company.

RSVP

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