Pass an immediate moratorium on AI data centers in Johnson County
The Issue
We, the residents of Johnson County, Indiana, are deeply concerned about the rapid development of AI data centers in our community. These centers, while essential to modern technology, come with significant environmental and infrastructural costs that we cannot ignore. We are thus urging our County Commissioners to enact an immediate moratorium on the zoning, planning, and construction of AI data centers in our area.
AI data centers consume colossal amounts of resources. On average, a single facility can use millions of gallons of water per day. This is a tremendous burden on our local water supply, which also supports our homes, agriculture, and wildlife. As our community faces increased risks of droughts and water scarcity, allowing such facilities to operate without restraint jeopardizes our water security.
Beyond water usage, the energy consumption of these centers is immense, contributing to our carbon footprint and putting stress on our local power grid. Transitioning towards renewable energy sources is a gradual process, and the immediate demands of these data centers outpace our current infrastructure capabilities, leading to potential brownouts or increased energy costs for residents.
The chemical cooling processes employed by AI data centers pose another alarming threat. These processes release potentially hazardous materials into the environment. Toxic runoff can contaminate our soil, affecting agricultural productivity, and harm our wildlife habitats which are vital to our county’s biodiversity.
It is not a question of opposing technological advancement but rather ensuring that it does not come at the cost of our community's health and well-being. By imposing a moratorium, we will have the necessary time to study these impacts thoroughly and develop comprehensive regulations that allow for sustainable and responsible technology growth.
Our community deserves a voice in shaping its future. Let’s prioritize the health of our environment and the sustainability of our local resources. Please join us in calling on the Johnson County Commissioners to take immediate action by signing this petition.
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The Issue
We, the residents of Johnson County, Indiana, are deeply concerned about the rapid development of AI data centers in our community. These centers, while essential to modern technology, come with significant environmental and infrastructural costs that we cannot ignore. We are thus urging our County Commissioners to enact an immediate moratorium on the zoning, planning, and construction of AI data centers in our area.
AI data centers consume colossal amounts of resources. On average, a single facility can use millions of gallons of water per day. This is a tremendous burden on our local water supply, which also supports our homes, agriculture, and wildlife. As our community faces increased risks of droughts and water scarcity, allowing such facilities to operate without restraint jeopardizes our water security.
Beyond water usage, the energy consumption of these centers is immense, contributing to our carbon footprint and putting stress on our local power grid. Transitioning towards renewable energy sources is a gradual process, and the immediate demands of these data centers outpace our current infrastructure capabilities, leading to potential brownouts or increased energy costs for residents.
The chemical cooling processes employed by AI data centers pose another alarming threat. These processes release potentially hazardous materials into the environment. Toxic runoff can contaminate our soil, affecting agricultural productivity, and harm our wildlife habitats which are vital to our county’s biodiversity.
It is not a question of opposing technological advancement but rather ensuring that it does not come at the cost of our community's health and well-being. By imposing a moratorium, we will have the necessary time to study these impacts thoroughly and develop comprehensive regulations that allow for sustainable and responsible technology growth.
Our community deserves a voice in shaping its future. Let’s prioritize the health of our environment and the sustainability of our local resources. Please join us in calling on the Johnson County Commissioners to take immediate action by signing this petition.
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Petition created on August 8, 2026