Having been born and raised in Alabama, I have always cherished the beauty and the richness of our natural landscape—the rivers, forests, and streams that make our state so unique. These pristine areas are an essential part of our identity and heritage, and we must protect them from unnecessary encroachments. That is why I am calling for a moratorium on the construction of new data centers in Alabama.

Data centers are rapidly expanding in many parts of the country, and while they provide economic benefits, they often pose significant ecological risks. The construction and operation of data centers require huge amounts of water and energy, two valuable resources that should be sustainably managed to preserve Alabama's environment. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, data centers can consume up to 3% of the global electricity supply and contribute 3.5% of greenhouse gas emissions worldwide. Furthermore, the water used for cooling data centers could negatively impact local water supplies and harm aquatic ecosystems.

Alabama is known for its rich biodiversity and is home to numerous endangered species, many of which rely on clean water and unspoiled habitats. Allowing more data centers to be built would risk this natural diversity and could lead to irreversible damage to our ecosystems.

While development and technological advancement are important, they should not come at the expense of our state's environment. We need to adopt smart, environmentally-friendly policies that focus on optimizing existing infrastructure rather than constructing new facilities without adequate consideration of their environmental impact.

I urge our state legislators and regulatory agencies to put in place a moratorium on all new data center construction projects until comprehensive environmental assessments are carried out and alternative sustainable practices are implemented. Let us protect our treasured natural resources for future generations of Alabamans.

Please join me in safeguarding Alabama's environment by signing this petition. Together, we can ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for our state.