We, the undersigned residents, farmers, business owners, and stakeholders in surrounding areas of 400 S and 500 S bordering State Road 39 and S 150 W, formally submit this petition to oppose: 

1. The rezoning of agricultural land to commercial or industrial use;
2. Annexation; and
3. Any potential approval or construction of a data center on such land. 

Living amidst the tranquil beauty of La Porte, IN, surrounded by bountiful farmland, our daily lives are intertwined with this serene environment. The proposed rezoning of our precious farmland to industrial lands stands to undermine this harmony, threatening the very essence of our community and the value of our homes. Sound pollution, wildlife disruption, increased strain on infrastructure, the decline in air quality, increased energy consumption, and excessive water utilization depleting groundwater are just some of the pressing concerns accompanying the potential transformation of agricultural land into a bustling industrial hub or data center.

The decision to rezone farmland into industrial sites is not merely a change in land use, but a fundamental shift that impacts our environment, health, and financial well-being. Farm lands are vital components of our ecosystem, sustaining local habitats and contributing positively to the air quality and overall environment. Moreover, this change poses a direct risk to the value of our homes—a concern for every homeowner in our serene country landscape.

Agricultural land in our community is essential for food production, local jobs, rural heritage, and its conversion to industrial would permanently eliminate those benefits.

There is compelling evidence that the conversion of farmland to industrial centers can lead to a deterioration in air quality due to emissions from industrial operations. Rezoning from agricultural to commercial/industrial use opens the door to incompatible and high-impact projects, including but not limited to data centers.  Noise pollution from such centers can disturb the peace and quiet we currently enjoy. The large-scale energy and water consumption needed for an industrial setting could strain our local resources, affecting every resident in La Porte.

Data centers are industrial-scale facilities that consume massive amounts of electricity and water, generate continuous noise and heat, and create light pollution that harms rural quality of life. Once agricultural land is rezoned, it is lost to farming forever, undermining long-term food security, rural economies, and open space conservation.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, we, the undersigned, respectfully request that:

1. There will be no rezoning of agricultural land to commercial or industrial classifications; 
2. No data centers be approved on former agricultural land or anywhere in proximity to residential, agricultural, or environmentally sensitive areas;
3. No annexation of our surrounding properties;
4. Public hearings with full environmental reviews be mandatory for all desiring to attend;
5. Prioritizing the protection of these agricultural lands in La Porte. Encourage development that respects our environment and ensures the sustained well-being of our community. Local governments should be urged to consider alternative sites for development that do not encroach on agricultural land, harnessing innovation to find balanced solutions that align with the community values and environmental considerations.
   
   Join us in preserving the character and integrity of our community. Advocate for policies that prioritize sustainable development, ensuring that the pristine landscapes we cherish remain unspoiled for future generations. Your support is crucial in making our voices heard and securing a healthy, vibrant future for La Porte. Sign this petition to tell our leaders: protect our farmland, preserve our community, and prioritize a sustainable future for all residents.