I love Missouri, from the bustling streets of Kansas City and St. Louis to the serene landscapes of Hermann and Branson, and every charming small town in between. It's not just where I grew up; it's a part of my identity. The rolling hills, vast forests, and vibrant rural communities are the heart and soul of this state. However, this cherished landscape is under threat from the looming presence of AI Data Centers, which seem determined to establish themselves in every corner without consideration for the impact on our communities.

While certain advancements are essential for progress, the sudden surge in AI Data Centers across Missouri appears more like a corporate invasion than genuine development. Massive corporations are pushing these facilities, arguing they are in our best interest. Yet they disregard the voices of Missourians who prefer to maintain the unique character and tranquility of their communities. Our rural towns, which define the very essence of Missouri, risk being overshadowed and transformed in ways we did not ask for or want.

AI Data Centers will reduce the amount of farmland available, increasing grocery prices for Missourians. Housing prices will surge as less land becomes available for new home construction in Missouri. Citizens of Missouri will be asked to conserve water and reduce their electricity usage to ensure enough water and electricity for these AI Data Centers owned by massive corporations. More vehicle accidents involving people hitting deer and other animals will occur because these animals are being displaced from their natural habitats. People will move out of these small, struggling towns due to increased traffic and noise from the operation of these enormous AI Data Centers. These small towns will then be overseen and run by the corporations that remain there.

In our cities, AI Data Centers will be an eyesore, straining grid infrastructure and causing brownouts and blackouts. It will further cause pollution not just in the water but also in the air, making it even harder for those with breathing difficulties to breathe. All those who switched to driving electric cars, have solar panels on their roofs, and recycle to help the planet, their efforts are in vain. As these AI Data Centers contribute to increased pollution and electricity usage, all of which damage the ecosystem.

We need to preserve Missouri's distinctive charm and rural landscape. It's crucial to question and critically assess if the establishment of AI data centers in our state truly serves the public interest or primarily satisfies corporate profits at the expense of our beloved environment and lifestyle.

With questions like:

• Why do we need AI Data Centers when our phones, computers, and software have AI already built in?
• What information will be stored at these AI Data Centers?
• What is the long-term goal of these AI Data Centers?

This petition urges our state legislators and local officials to stand with the people of Missouri. Implement a permanent halt to the construction and development of AI data centers across the state. Any AI Data Center established already, shall be banned from operating in Missouri. *

Rural Missourians, are you willing to say something against AI Data Centers to keep your community rural? Farmers, will you take a stand to safeguard your land? Urban Missourians, are you willing to speak up for yourself and children to have clean drinking water and cleaner air to breathe? Those who have held the banners claiming, “Save the Trees” and “There’s No Planet B”, are you with us?

Please, I invite all who cherish Missouri's beauty, who value our way of life, and wish to preserve it for future generations, to sign this petition. Together, we can ensure our voices are heard and prevent the spread of AI data centers on our cherished land.

Please share this petition and use #NotInMyBackyard or #NIMBY. Thank you!

*UPDATE: This petition is to ban Data Centers built or operated for the sole use of AI. It is not meant to remove Data Servers or Cloud Storage related to citizens having access to Internet in Missouri.