Deny the construction of the ai data center campus in Cedar City, Utah

Recent signers:
Ruthe Robles and 19 others have signed recently.

The Issue

The recent proposal to construct an AI data center campus threatens to disrupt the harmony of our community in numerous irreversible ways, we need to deny its construction before it’s too late and we’re all go thirsty.

The data center will demand vast amounts of water to cool the servers, potentially endangering our water supply and contaminating the clean drinking water that we all rely on. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, data centers can consume millions of gallons of water annually, posing a critical risk to local resources especially in areas like ours which already contend with drought and water scarcity. This winter alone marked record low snowfall which means one of our primary water sources is compromised.

Moreover, the construction and operation of the data center would devastate the unique landscape of Cedar City. The proposed site serves as vital migration routes for various wildlife species, especially pronghorns which the project is so ironically named after. The incessant noise pollution from such facilities would disturb the migration routes, leading to potential declines in these vital populations. We must act to safeguard these natural paths and ecosystems that cannot be replaced once lost.

This proposal is not merely a development; it's an encroachment on the peace and environment of Cedar City and its residents being pushed by shady shell companies that have no real history or backing. Cedar city exists because of our scenic vistas, cherished hiking trails, and the peace of our locality that a data center cannot offer or enhance. Our community’s quality of life depends on the responsible stewardship of our natural resources and landscapes.

I urge Ken Robinson, Mike Bleak and Paul Cozzensto, the sitting members of the Iron county commission to listen to the voices of their community and deny permitting for the construction of this data center. Protecting our environment, preserving our water supply, and maintaining the tranquility of our home are paramount. Stand with us to ensure Cedar City remains a vibrant, clean, and environmentally conscious town.

Please join me in protecting our community's future by signing this petition to prevent the construction of the AI data center campus in Cedar City, Utah. Your support is crucial in amplifying our collective voice for sustainable and considerate development. Sign the petition now to make a difference.

731

Recent signers:
Ruthe Robles and 19 others have signed recently.

The Issue

The recent proposal to construct an AI data center campus threatens to disrupt the harmony of our community in numerous irreversible ways, we need to deny its construction before it’s too late and we’re all go thirsty.

The data center will demand vast amounts of water to cool the servers, potentially endangering our water supply and contaminating the clean drinking water that we all rely on. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, data centers can consume millions of gallons of water annually, posing a critical risk to local resources especially in areas like ours which already contend with drought and water scarcity. This winter alone marked record low snowfall which means one of our primary water sources is compromised.

Moreover, the construction and operation of the data center would devastate the unique landscape of Cedar City. The proposed site serves as vital migration routes for various wildlife species, especially pronghorns which the project is so ironically named after. The incessant noise pollution from such facilities would disturb the migration routes, leading to potential declines in these vital populations. We must act to safeguard these natural paths and ecosystems that cannot be replaced once lost.

This proposal is not merely a development; it's an encroachment on the peace and environment of Cedar City and its residents being pushed by shady shell companies that have no real history or backing. Cedar city exists because of our scenic vistas, cherished hiking trails, and the peace of our locality that a data center cannot offer or enhance. Our community’s quality of life depends on the responsible stewardship of our natural resources and landscapes.

I urge Ken Robinson, Mike Bleak and Paul Cozzensto, the sitting members of the Iron county commission to listen to the voices of their community and deny permitting for the construction of this data center. Protecting our environment, preserving our water supply, and maintaining the tranquility of our home are paramount. Stand with us to ensure Cedar City remains a vibrant, clean, and environmentally conscious town.

Please join me in protecting our community's future by signing this petition to prevent the construction of the AI data center campus in Cedar City, Utah. Your support is crucial in amplifying our collective voice for sustainable and considerate development. Sign the petition now to make a difference.

The Decision Makers

Cedar City Council
3 Members
1 Responded
Waldo Galan
Cedar City Council
Thank you for reaching out. As you well know by now, this proposed project resides outside of our purview as City Council, as it resides within the Iron County Planning Commission's authority. Having Said that, I have attended one of the public meetings and heard many opinions on both sides of the conversation. I am looking forward to receiving more information on both sides of the topic, to familiarize myself more fully on the pros and cons. Clearly, water use, noise abatement, environmental and power consumption issues are top of mind for me. Only transparency, facts and data, will go a long way towards defining my position on the matter. I look forward to a civil, robust and open process, with fact-based decisions. I believe that you and the organization you represent, would not have it any other way. Looking forward to the next public meeting. Warmest regards, Waldo D. Galan Cedar City Council
W. Melling
Cedar City Council
R. Phillips
Cedar City Council
Phil Schmidt
Phil Schmidt
Cedar City Council
Responded
I am aware of the project and want to learn more about the details of the pros and cons of the project.
Brett Hamilton
Brett Hamilton
Iron County - Planner/Services Coordinator
Responded
Many of the concerns cited in the petition (water use, wildlife, and community impact) were mentioned during the March 5th public hearing. While petitions are accepted as part of the public record, land use decisions are not made based on a vote or the number of signatures. The Planning Commission is required to evaluate the application against adopted code standards and make a decision based on those criteria. If residents have concerns about the project, the most helpful input is specific comments tied to the approval criteria (see Chapter 17.37of the Iron County Code). https://library.municode.com/ut/iron_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT17ZO_CH17.37DACE The data center will be discussed at the Planning Commission meeting tonight, but there will not be a public hearing. Below is the language from the agenda regarding the item. [ CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT; Antelope Data Center – Discussion Item Planning staff will review questions related to the proposed project. Staff will review the Planning Commission’s responsibility to determine whether the proposed use complies with County ordinance standards and whether identified impacts can be reasonably mitigated through conditions of approval. For discussion purposes only, staff will present draft example conditions to demonstrate potential mitigation measures that could be considered if the Planning Commission finds the project capable of meeting ordinance requirements. Presentation of draft conditions does not imply a recommendation for approval and is intended solely to assist the Commission in understanding the scope of possible conditions. No action will be taken, and no public hearing or public comment will occur at this meeting. ] Brett Hamilton Planner/Services Coordinator
Steve Nelson
Cedar City Mayor

Supporter Voices

Petition Updates