In our small hometown of Gordon, PA, nestled next to our cherished State Game Lands in Schuylkill County, there is interest in placing a data center adjoining the Game Lands.  This development threatens to devastate the local environment and our way of life. It also puts at risk the delicate ecosystem that has flourished here for generations.

Our water supply, an essential resource for all living beings, faces potential contamination from runoff filled with harmful chemicals used in data center operations. Data centers are notorious for their massive water usage for cooling, which could drain our local water tables, affecting both residential water supply and the wetlands that sustain various species of flora and fauna.

Furthermore, the construction and operation of a data center come with risks of flooding. The alteration of the natural landscape and high water usage could shift water flow patterns, leaving our homes and local wildlife vulnerable to devastating effects of unexpected floods.

The incessant noise generated by these facilities is another grave concern. Wildlife, which relies on the tranquility of their natural habitat, would be disrupted, leading to displacement and potentially causing a dramatic shift in our local biodiversity. We have always prided ourselves on coexisting harmoniously with wildlife, and this data center threatens that balance.

There are also grave concerns that a data center will have a negative and costly impact on our local electrical grid as has been reported by other towns dealing with nearby data centers. Our small, aging community can not afford significant increases in our electric bills.

These environmental impacts are supported by reports showing how such developments can lead to increased carbon emissions, noisy environments unsuitable for both humans and animals, and a significant ecological footprint. Many burgeoning data centers across numerous states have faced backlash for these very reasons.

To protect our beloved hometown and the pristine game lands we hold dear, we must urge our local government and environmental agencies to halt the proposal of this data center’s construction. We call for a thorough impact assessment and exploration of alternative sites that do not encroach upon residential and wildlife areas.

Join us in taking a stand. Sign this petition to safeguard our community and wildlife from the potential threats posed by this data center, ensuring a safer, cleaner environment for future generations.