I started a petition in St. Mary's County, MD, because that's where I live. However, the issue extends beyond just one county and affects all of Southern Maryland, including St. Mary's, Charles, and Calvert Counties.

Data centers consume vast amounts of energy, often drawing from non-renewable sources, which contributes significantly to our carbon footprint. The noise pollution they generate can disrupt the peace of our residential areas, leading to a decreased quality of life for residents. Moreover, the construction and operation of these facilities can lead to habitat destruction, threatening local wildlife and biodiversity in our beautiful counties.

In Southern Maryland, we cherish our natural landscapes, our quiet neighborhoods, and our close-knit communities. Allowing data centers to proliferate threatens these values. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, data centers account for approximately 2% of the total electricity use in the United States, highlighting their substantial energy consumption. Furthermore, the Environmental Protection Agency warns of the long-term environmental impacts of such high energy use.

It's time to take action to protect our environment and community from further harm. We need local governments in St. Mary's, Charles, and Calvert Counties to collaborate and impose a ban on the establishment of new data centers in Southern Maryland. This action will preserve our environment, safeguard our community well-being, and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.

Join me in demanding a ban on new data centers in Southern Maryland. Let’s stand together for our home, our health, and our heritage. Please sign this petition and help us protect what we hold dear.