Charlie Berens, the journalist turned comedian known for his 'Manitowoc Minute' skits, is speaking out against the AI datacenter boom in Wisconsin. Last summer, he started receiving messages from concerned residents about a massive datacenter campus proposed by Vantage Data Centers in Port Washington. The $8 billion project promised thousands of jobs but raised worries about water and energy strain. Berens, a Milwaukee-area native, decided to use his platform to address the issue, publishing a video in August 2025 that garnered over 2.5 million views on YouTube.
Resistance to Datacenter Projects
Berens has since become a leading voice against hyperscale datacenters in Wisconsin, which includes seven major projects. A March survey found nearly 70% of registered voters believe the costs outweigh the benefits. He has faced pushback from labor unions and pro-business groups who argue the state cannot afford to be left behind in the AI arms race.
Environmental and Community Concerns
Residents like Maily Kocinski, a Beaver Dam farmer, have reported water contamination near construction sites. Berens highlights the use of shell companies and nondisclosure agreements by tech firms like Meta, which kept their involvement secret until reports revealed it. He calls for more regulation, noting that bratwurst is more heavily regulated than the AI industry.
Political and Economic Impact
Port Washington Mayor Ted Neitzke defends the project as 'transformative' for the Rust Belt city, but critics point to a $458 million tax break deal that redirects revenue from the city for 20 years. In April 2026, Port Washington passed the nation's first anti-datacenter referendum, requiring voter approval for large tax districts. Berens sees this as a victory for community voice.
Berens acknowledges the irony of using tech platforms to criticize tech projects but says he aims to educate his audience. He lost a major brand deal over his stance but remains committed: 'I’m asking for transparency. I’m asking for honesty. I’m asking for people to get informed.'
