Cape May County, NJ, is nothing short of paradise. Surrounded by some of the most irreplaceable ecosystems on the entire East Coast, formed over thousands of years, it is our responsibility and privilege to protect these lands, not just for ourselves but for generations to come. Every one of us who calls this area home year-round has made an unwavering commitment to preserve its natural beauty and the fragile ecosystems that thrive within it. Unfortunately, data center developers, attracted by available land and close proximity to infrastructure, do not share this commitment. They seek to exploit our precious environment for profit, often at the expense of local communities and their values.

The rapid construction of data centers in our region poses a significant threat to these ecosystems. They require vast amounts of land, substantial water resources for cooling, and emit heat and noise, contributing to environmental degradation. Furthermore, their energy consumption can place an unsustainable burden on local power grids, often supported by non-renewable energy sources which contribute to climate change.

Cape May County's local government may not yet have the robust policies required to effectively regulate such developments and protect our environment. To ensure the preservation of our cherished surroundings, we are calling for a 10-year moratorium on the construction of new data centers in Cape May County.

This moratorium would allow time for thorough research into the environmental impacts of data centers, development of adequate policies, and exploration of more sustainable alternatives. It would provide our local officials the opportunity to create guidelines and regulations that ensure any future development aligns with the commitment that we, as residents, have made to our environment.

By signing this petition, we can demonstrate our collective resolve to protect Cape May County from the unchecked expansion of data centers. Let's make it clear that our commitment to our environment and community is unwavering and that sustainable, environmentally friendly development must be prioritized. Protect the paradise that is Cape May County not just for today, but for many years to come. Please, join us in this essential cause and sign the petition to implement a 10-year moratorium on data centers in our county.