FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Rep. Gilda Cobb-Hunter Announces Community Education Forum on Artificial Intelligence and Data Center Development
Orangeburg County residents invited to submit questions ahead of November 19 public policy forum
ORANGEBURG, S.C. - South Carolina State Representative Gilda Cobb-Hunter will convene “Our Communities, Our Future: A.I. & Data Center Policy Education Forum” on Thursday, November 19, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Roquemore Auditorium on the campus of Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College.
The educational forum will bring together elected officials, technology professionals, infrastructure representatives, and community stakeholders to examine the growing role of artificial intelligence and data centers, along with their environmental, and community impacts.
As communities across South Carolina consider proposals for data center development, the forum aims to ensure that local policymakers and residents have access to information that can support thoughtful, informed decisions.
“Our communities deserve to understand challenges associated with emerging technologies and data center development. Before decisions are made that could affect our land, water, and energy resources, we must ensure that our citizens and elected officials have the information they need to ask meaningful questions and make informed decisions.”
— Rep. Gilda Cobb-Hunter, South Carolina House of Representatives
Forum to Address AI, Infrastructure, and Community Impact
The 90-minute educational program will feature presentations and moderated discussions on several topics:
- Artificial Intelligence 101: Understanding AI, how it works, and its relationship to data centers.
- Data Center Infrastructure: Examining the land, electricity, water, and operational resources required to support data centers.
- Community Considerations: Exploring potential environmental impacts, and long-term implications for local communities.
- Policymaker Questions: Providing an opportunity for elected officials to raise concerns and receive responses from subject-matter experts.
Technology educators and AI adoption professionals Lisa Lopez and Justin Myrick, cofounders of the Elite AI Summit, Eloise Intelligence, and Justin Myrick Media, will present an introductory session explaining artificial intelligence and the technology infrastructure that supports it.
Representatives from OVMG Hyperscale Infrastructure & Media are scheduled to address data center operations and community considerations.
Harold Mitchell, Founder and CEO of ReGenesis Institute, will provide the program overview and discuss potential next steps.
Representative Cobb-Hunter will deliver opening remarks and facilitate the policymaker question-and-answer session.
Public Invited to Submit Questions in Advance
In preparation for the forum, Orangeburg County residents and other interested community members are encouraged to submit questions about artificial intelligence, data center development, and potential impacts on their communities not later than November 17th at 5:00 pm EST.
Questions may address subjects such as electricity demand, water consumption, environmental protection, local employment opportunities, economic development, public infrastructure, and government oversight.
Submit your questions here:
Community Questions: Artificial Intelligence & Data Centers
Questions submitted in advance will help organizers identify community concerns and prepare for the moderated discussion. Due to time limitations, not every question may be addressed individually during the forum.
Event Information
Event: Our Communities, Our Future: A.I. & Data Center Policy Education Forum
Date: Thursday, November 19, 2026 Time: 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Location: Roquemore Auditorium, Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College
Address: 3250 St. Matthews Road, Orangeburg, SC 29118
Convened by: State Representative Gilda Cobb-Hunter
Audience: Elected officials, community leaders, residents, and other interested stakeholders
The forum is intended to promote education, transparency, and informed public dialogue regarding technologies and infrastructure that could shape the region's future.
Media Contat
Office of Representative Gilda Cobb-Hunter
Email: gildacobbhunter@schouse.gov