Fayette County residents deserve a real voice before massive data center projects are rushed into our communities. The construction and operation of these data centers pose significant threats to our environment, our infrastructure, and the overall quality of life we cherish in our beloved county. This is not about political party affiliation. It is about protecting our homes, our land, our water, our electric grid, the air we breathe, and ultimately, the future of Fayette County.

The development of data centers requires substantial natural resources, including large quantities of water and energy. These centers demand a constant and reliable supply of electricity, often straining local power grids. This increased demand can lead to higher electricity rates and potential power shortages for local residents, posing a direct risk to our day-to-day lives. Additionally, data centers release significant amounts of heat, requiring extensive cooling solutions that use precious water resources and could potentially deplete local water supplies.

Furthermore, hastily developing and approving data center projects without comprehensive community consultation and impact assessments could severely alter the local landscape. Our rural character could be transformed into an industrial one, leading to increased traffic, noise, and possible pollution that would affect the tranquility and purity of our surroundings. We need thorough environmental impact studies to fully understand the repercussions that such developments may have on our natural resources and wildlife habitats.

While data centers may promise economic benefits, such as job creation, those benefits should not come at the expense of our environment and quality of life. We need balanced development that considers the long-term effects on Fayette County’s ecosystem and residents. Proper planning and community engagement are paramount to ensuring these projects align with our values and our vision for the future.

We, the residents and supporters of Fayette County, hereby call on the Fayette County Commissioners and all local officials to implement an immediate moratorium on the approval, development, construction, or finalization of data center projects until thorough, transparent, and adequate assessments have been conducted.

Before any data center project moves forward, we demand:

1. A countywide moratorium on new data center approvals.
   Independent environmental, water, noise, traffic, and energy impact studies approved by the community through a referendum vote.
2. Full public disclosure of proposed locations, utility demands, tax incentives, and infrastructure costs.
3. Public hearings in affected communities before any approval is granted, along with a vote by community members before the project moves forward.
4. Written guarantees that Fayette County taxpayers and utility customers will not be forced to subsidize these projects.
5. Full guarantees from the data center company regarding how many local jobs will be created during construction and after construction is completed, with an escrow account tied to those guarantees.
6. Protection for nearby homeowners, farmers, small businesses, and local communities. If their property values decrease, they must be fairly compensated for the difference between their pre-data center property value and their post-data center property value. These funds should be held in escrow for up to 50 years after the data center closes.
7. Up to $100 million placed in escrow for up to 50 years after the data center closes to compensate anyone who can link cancer or other health conditions to the data center.

By signing this petition, you stand with us in demanding responsible and thoughtful consideration of how data center projects could impact our home. Help us protect Fayette County’s future. Your support is crucial. Please sign this petition to make your voice heard.