Sustainability Now! | Ben Frech | Ground Water and Data Centers | 6-29-26

This week on Sustainability Now!, your host, Justin Mog, turns his attention to the forgotten river flowing beneath us with Ben Frech from the National Ground Water Association (https://ngwa.org). NGWA members include groundwater scientists and engineers, water well contractors, geothermal professionals, environmental consultants, and others who work directly with groundwater every day. As the nation's largest professional association representing groundwater professionals, the NGWA has become increasingly engaged in discussions surrounding data center development and its impact on groundwater resources and local communities. In March, NGWA released a position paper on data center development and groundwater resources. As communities across the country continue to evaluate new data center projects, NGWA is providing background information, expert perspectives, and interviews on how these facilities may impact groundwater supplies, as well as best practices that can help support responsible development. Tune in as we discuss the policy/regulatory side of data centers and their impacts on groundwater. Including, site selection, financial incentives for data centers, policies in support/to regulate centers, and the broader trends going on in the industry. Ben recommends the US Geological Survey's National Groundwater Monitoring Network at https://www.usgs.gov/apps/ngwmn/index.jsp As always, our feature is followed by your community action calendar for the week, so get your calendars out and get ready to take action for sustainability NOW! Sustainability Now! is hosted by Dr. Justin Mog and airs on Forward Radio, 106.5fm, WFMP-LP Louisville, every Monday at 6pm and repeats Tuesdays at 12am and 10am. Find us at https://forwardradio.org The music in this podcast is courtesy of the local band Appalatin and is used by permission. Explore their delightful music at https://appalatin.com