The rapid expansion of data centers across the United States poses a significant threat to both our natural resources and personal privacy. These sprawling facilities consume vast amounts of water and energy, placing immense pressure on local communities and ecosystems. Furthermore, data centers house a huge volume of personal information, making them prime targets for cyberattacks, putting our privacy at great risk.

One of the major concerns is water usage. Data centers need an enormous amount of water to cool their servers, drawing this essential resource away from local usage. According to a 2020 study by the United States Geological Survey, data centers in the U.S. consume hundreds of millions of gallons of water every day. This level of consumption is unsustainable, especially in regions already suffering from water scarcity issues.

Energy consumption is another critical issue. Data centers are among the largest consumers of electricity in the world, with an average facility using as much energy as a small town. This high demand results in increased greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to climate change and environmental degradation.

Privacy concerns cannot be overlooked either. The concentration of massive amounts of sensitive data in a single location increases vulnerability to data breaches and cyber threats. Just in 2021, several high-profile data breaches in the U.S. highlighted the risks and potential consequences of poorly protected data.

We propose a moratorium on the construction of new data centers across the United States until regulations ensure sustainable practices and robust cybersecurity measures. This involves implementing stringent water and energy usage guidelines, encouraging the adoption of renewable energy sources, and mandating the highest levels of data protection standards.

Our natural resources are precious, and our privacy is invaluable. We must prioritize the preservation of the environment and the protection of personal information over unchecked industrial growth. Join us in demanding action from local and federal authorities to halt the expansion of data centers until they can be built responsibly and securely.

Please sign this petition to urge our leaders to take immediate steps towards sustainable and secure data center operations in the U.S. Together, we can make a difference for our future and the planet we call home.