Lancaster, Pennsylvania is known for its picturesque landscapes, rich agricultural heritage, and tight-knit community values. However, the proposed development of large data centers in our area threatens to transform our beloved county into an industrial zone, significantly impacting the environment, local economy, and overall quality of life for its residents.

Data centers are notorious for their massive energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, data centers in the United States alone consume an estimated 70 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, which is about 2% of the total electricity use. This contributes significantly to air pollution and climate change. In a region like Lancaster, with its commitment to preserving natural beauty and agricultural pursuits, such an increase in energy demand is unsustainable and could lead to detrimental environmental consequences.

Additionally, the construction and operation of these data centers could lead to potential water shortages. Data centers require enormous volumes of water for cooling purposes, placing a heavy burden on local water resources and potentially exacerbating scarcity issues. A study in 2018 found that some large data centers use as much water as a small city.

From an economic perspective, while the development might promise job creation and technological advancement, it could instead jeopardize existing local businesses and farms. The shift towards a more industrial landscape may disrupt the tourism industry, which greatly benefits from Lancaster's rural charm, and adversely affect property values.

Moreover, these facilities generate noise and light pollution, disrupting the tranquility that Lancaster's residents cherish. The continuous hum of machinery and the light pollution from these centers threaten native wildlife and the serenity of nighttime environments.

For these reasons, we urge the Lancaster County Commissioners to reject any proposals for data center development in our area. By doing so, they will protect our environment, uphold our community values, and preserve the Lancaster heritage that we hold dear.

Please sign this petition to show your support for keeping Lancaster free of disruptive industrial development. Together, we can ensure a sustainable future for our beautiful county.