I have grown up in the Town of Tonawanda for my whole life. I have truly grown to love the place that I am from and currently live. This is why it was extremely concerning for me when I found out there are talks for an AI data center to be built in the old Tonawanda Coke plant site. Signing this petition will help urge the town and the county to not approve this AI data center within our community. 

Background: 

When this facility was closed in 2018 the EPA oversaw the efforts to close the grounds. The soil on this property was contaminated, directly impacting the community around it. Along with the soil, millions of gallons of waste were disposed of. I find it quite interesting and ironic that on a site where the plant causes detrimental harm to the environment and those living in the area, that there is now discussion to put a 2 billion dollar AI data center in its place. 

AI data centers directly harm the communities they are built in. They increase carbon emissions, and deplete water from the communities they are in. They use the FRESH WATER to cool down the computers being used there. This means millions of gallons of fresh water are going to be used for this data center. There is a report that states AI data centers are increasing water scarcity (having clean water is a basic human right). AI data centers ALSO produce toxic waste, including chemicals such as mercury AND lead. Additionally there is an increased risk of fires. To me and others within the town, it appears this is only going to cause more harm than good. 

The Town of Tonawanda mission states "Provide the highest quality services, programs, facilities and environment at the lowest, most reasonable cost and Promote stable, safe, peaceful, environmentally-friendly and attractive neighborhoods." This proves that allowing an AI data center into our town DIRECTLY goes against the mission. 

This petition is to urge the town and the county to listen to their constituents AND prevent this AI data center from being built.