The proposal for the Sequitor Edge data center in Rapid City is more than just another building project. It poses a substantial risk to our beloved environment—it affects our lakes, rivers, and streams, which are integral to our community's identity and sustenance. Data centers, while promising economic benefits, often fail to deliver real value to the community and come at an immense environmental cost.

The Rapid City community stands firmly against the development of the Sequitor Edge data center because the balance between environmental preservation and economic development has been overlooked. Our local economy relies heavily on the tourism magnetism of our scenic waters and our natural landscapes, and sacrificing them for a mere three permanent jobs is simply not acceptable.

This proposed data center claims to provide improved efficiency, but it is crucial to question those claims. Data centers are notorious for their massive water and energy consumption. According to a report by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), data centers use 200 terawatt-hours of electricity each year, accounting for about 2% of the total energy use of the United States. This consumption pattern is unsustainable and irresponsible, particularly in a world striving for a more sustainable future.

Moreover, the infrastructure needed to support such a facility would disrupt the natural landscape. While only starting with one acre of precious land, the plan includes expanding to an additional 6-7 acres. Additionally, while only claiming to need 19,000 gallons of water, that water will eventually be too contaminated to use and they will need additional fresh water. This would impact not just the water bodies but also the wildlife that depends on them. Our region's biodiversity must not be compromised for the sake of technological advancement that does not directly benefit our residents.

By rejecting the permits for the Sequitor Edge data center, the Rapid City Council has the power to protect our environment and uphold our community's values. Infrastructure development should not come at the expense of environmental integrity and community well-being. We need solutions that foster both ecological and economic health.

Sign this petition to urge the Rapid City Council to deny zoning, building, and utility permits for the Sequitor Edge data center project. By coming together, we can stand for what's right and preserve the natural beauty that makes our community unique. Together, let's make our voices heard and ensure a sustainable future for Rapid City.