My family and I have lived in Medford, Oregon for over four decades, and it's been a place where we've enjoyed a tight-knit community and the serene beauty of our surroundings. Recently, the news of a proposed data center project slated to take place in and around Medford has left us deeply concerned about the potential implications for our city and our way of life. 

Data centers are often touted as symbols of modernity and economic progress, but they are not without significant drawbacks, especially for a community like ours. These facilities are known for their colossal energy consumption, which poses a serious threat to our local environment. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, data centers are responsible for about 2% of the total U.S. electricity consumption, consuming 10 to 50 times more energy per square foot than typical commercial office buildings. This could lead to a substantial increase in carbon emissions and place added strain on our local resources.

Additionally, the construction of a data center could have severe consequences for the local ecosystem. The disruption caused by the extensive construction work required for these facilities can damage local wildlife habitats and result in the displacement of flora and fauna. Noise pollution during construction and continuous operation noise can adversely impact the quality of life for residents living nearby, depriving them of the peace and quiet that Medford is known for.

Furthermore, such projects often promise economic benefits and job creation, but these claims require scrutiny. The jobs generated during the construction phase are often temporary. Once operational, data centers require relatively few employees, meaning the long-term employment benefits are minimal.

The preservation of our natural landscapes and the health of our community should take precedence over infrastructural developments driven by corporations not invested in our community's welfare. We are not against progress, but it must be sustainable, and it must respect our community values.

I urge the Medford City Council and local authorities to reconsider the necessity and location of this data center. We need transparent public discussions and a thorough environmental impact assessment before moving forward with such a project or study. Our community deserves a thoughtful approach that prioritizes our natural environment and the needs of residents. 

Please join me in speaking out. Sign this petition to stop the data center from becoming a part of Medford and help us protect our community and its cherished environment.  If you sign this petition your intent is to send a message to the City of Medford, that we do not want a proposal to be set forth after the September 30, 2026 study session.  It is also to send a message that we as a community do not approve any future proposals made in regards to allowing a data center come to our community, and or change in land use regulations to allow AI data center hyperscale facilities, and that we would like to see a ban on any new development of a data center in Medford, OR.  

Below is the link to the announcement on the City of Medford's website, where they state the public’s voice will not be heard during this study session. Meeting takes place Sept 30, 2026 at the Medford Police Department’s Prescott Room.

https://www.medfordoregon.gov/News-Articles/City-Council-Planning-Commission-to-Discuss-Data-Centers