Growing up in Dundee, MI, our community has always cherished our land, our environment, and the small-town charm that makes us unique. Today, this sense of belonging and sustainability is under threat. A tech company is planning to construct a large data center in our beloved town, a move that will irrevocably change Dundee's landscape and environmental balance.

Data centers are notorious for their resource-heavy operations. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, data centers are among the most energy-intensive building types, consuming 10 to 50 times the energy per floor space of a typical commercial office building. In small communities like ours, this means a dramatic spike in energy consumption, likely leading to increased utility costs for residents.

Furthermore, data centers require an enormous amount of water for cooling purposes. The University of California estimated that data centers could use about 7 million gallons of water per day. For Dundee, this could mean a severe strain on our local water resources, negatively impacting both residents and local wildlife.

The construction activities and the infrastructure required for such a development will also lead to the destruction of natural landscapes and could provoke a detrimental ecological impact on Dundee's biodiversity. We pride ourselves on the beautiful scenery and outdoor spaces, which risk being lost to concrete and machinery.

We understand the necessity of technology and development but believe that there must be a balance. Technology companies should explore sustainable and less harmful alternatives, perhaps situating data centers in areas where the environmental impact would be significantly reduced or investing in technology that lowers water and energy usage.

This is a pivotal moment for Dundee. We need to stand together and express our concern about the potential adverse effects this data center will have on our community. By signing this petition, you are taking a stand for sustainable development, environmental preservation, and the protection of our small-town charm.

Join us in voicing our concerns to the authorities and demanding a careful assessment of this project's environmental impact. Please lend your voice and sign this petition to protect Dundee's environment and future. Let’s ensure that any development aligns with both technological advancement and our community’s values and sustainability goals.