In recent years, data centers have been increasingly developed within the city limits of various Texas towns. As a senior citizen living in one such area, this is deeply concerning for me and many others in my community, especially considering the potential impacts on our health and quality of life.

One of the primary issues is the significant amount of pollution these centers can generate. Data centers consume enormous amounts of energy, leading to increases in carbon emissions and subsequently affecting air quality. This is particularly alarming for seniors and children, who are more vulnerable to respiratory issues caused by poor air quality. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), air pollution is a major environmental risk to public health and can aggravate conditions such as asthma and other respiratory diseases.

Moreover, data centers require a significant amount of water for cooling purposes. This can lead to water resource depletion in areas where water is already scarce, impacting the community's access to this essential resource. In Texas, where drought conditions are a concern, this presents a major risk to local residents.

Furthermore, the construction and operation of data centers can increase noise pollution and disrupt local ecosystems. Constant construction activities and operational noise can greatly affect the tranquility of residential areas and disturb the wildlife that residents value and appreciate.

Instead of building these energy and resource-intensive centers within city limits, many experts propose utilizing alternative locations that are less harmful to residential zones. There are opportunities in less populated areas or regions with more robust infrastructure to handle such facilities. Additionally, investing in renewable energy sources for such operations can mitigate some of the environmental impacts.

We urge local governments and city planners to reconsider the placement of these massive infrastructures and explore more sustainable options. Protecting the air quality, water resources, and overall well-being of our communities has to be a priority over the convenience of urban data center locations.

Please join us in advocating for responsible data center placement by signing this petition. Together, we can work towards a healthier and more sustainable future for all Texas residents.