Union, South Carolina, once known for its quiet charm and natural beauty, is now at a crossroads. For those of us who call this place home, the recent surge in data center developments is not just a looming threat to our serene lifestyle but an environmental hazard that we simply cannot ignore.

My community and I have already witnessed the detrimental impacts these data centers have on our surroundings. They operate with a constant hum that reaches decibels audible from up to two miles away, disturbing our peace and quiet. Imagine sitting in your backyard, hoping for some calm, only to be met with the relentless noise of industrial operations.

But the noise is just one piece of the puzzle. Union's water quality has been a topic of concern for residents for far too long. The introduction of more data centers will only exacerbate the situation. These facilities consume vast quantities of water to cool their massive servers. In communities like ours, where water quality is already subpar, further strain on water resources is simply unacceptable.

Data centers are notorious for their hefty carbon footprint. According to a report by the Natural Resources Defense Council, U.S. data centers used an estimated 91 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity in 2013, an amount that could power all of New York City’s households twice over. The expansion of such facilities in Union would fly in the face of global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and tackle climate change.

This is about more than just us. It’s about taking a stand for our environment and our future generations. We need our elected officials to recognize the irreversible damage these developments can cause and prioritize sustainable growth and the well-being of Union's residents.

Join us in urging the Union County Council to halt any new data center approvals until a comprehensive environmental impact assessment is conducted, and sustainable strategies are assured. Let’s work together to protect Union from becoming just another industrial zone without regard for its residents or natural beauty.

Please sign this petition to demand immediate action from our local leaders. Our homes, our health, and our environment depend on it.