The Issue

We, the undersigned residents and community members of Weakley County, Tennessee, call on local officials to permanently prohibit the future development of data centers in our community.

Data centers can consume enormous amounts of electricity and water, placing additional pressure on local utilities and natural resources. Data centers and other artificial intelligence infrastructure may also increase demand for coal and natural gas while contributing to air, water and noise pollution. Our small community does not want these risks and cannot afford the potential consequences.

We urge Dresden Mayor Mark Maddox, the Dresden Board of Aldermen and the Weakley County Commission to:

• Permanently prohibit data centers, artificial intelligence computing facilities, cryptocurrency mining operations and similar high-intensity digital infrastructure within the Dresden city limits and throughout Weakley County.

• Hold a public forum separate from regular meetings of the Dresden Planning Commission, Dresden Board of Aldermen and Weakley County Commission. This forum should allow residents, business owners and elected officials to discuss community concerns regarding data centers.

Please join us in calling on local officials to protect our natural resources, public health and quality of life by permanently prohibiting data centers in Dresden and Weakley County. Future generations deserve to grow up in a community where their health and safety are not sacrificed for corporate profit. By signing this petition, you are taking a stance against data centers in our community today and at any time in the future. 

Dresden and Weakley County officials have a responsibility to protect our water, roads, utilities, farmland, public safety resources and rural way of life.

Our local systems were built to serve a small community, not massive industrial computing operations. Data centers could place additional pressure on our water supply, roads, utilities, farms and emergency services. Once these facilities are built, the effects on the community could be difficult or impossible to reverse.

Ban data centers in Dresden and Weakley County. Protect our water, environment and community. Sign today.

Dresden residents and those who own businesses within the Dresden city limits may contact Mayor Mark Maddox:

mayor@cityofdresden.net
cityrecorder@cityofdresden.net
731-364-2270

Weakley County residents and business owners may contact County Mayor Dale Hutcherson:

countymayor@weakleycountytn.gov
731-364-5413