Living and raising my family in Colorado has been lovely. Our state is a magnificent place, with breathtaking natural beauty, rich biodiversity, and the majesty of the Rocky Mountains. Some of our family's most cherished memories are of times spent hiking through alpine forests, camping under star-filled skies, fishing in clear mountain streams, and birdwatching in serene parks. But now, more than ever, our beloved Colorado is facing significant environmental challenges.

This year, Colorado is grappling with severe drought conditions, a harsh reminder of the fragility of our ecosystems and the pressing need for responsible resource management. At the same time, the rise of AI technology brings the potential for massive infrastructure developments—namely, AI data centers—that pose a direct threat to our already strained natural resources.

AI data centers are notorious for their intensive resource consumption. Traditional cooling systems in these centers require vast quantities of water, a resource that is already scarce in our state. Alternatively, waterless cooling systems consume substantial amounts of energy, further stressing our electrical grid. Both scenarios lead to increased utility costs for local residents, burdening families who are already grappling with the financial strain of rising living expenses.

As a community, we need to ensure that any decisions made concerning industrial developments consider the well-being of our environment and the residents of Colorado. Therefore, I am calling for a policy that demands voter approval for any AI data centers intended to be built in our state. Empowering voters to make these decisions ensures that our collective voice is heard and that developments align with our values and priorities as Coloradans.

By requiring that such significant decisions be put to a vote, we can safeguard our natural resources, protect our community's financial well-being, and maintain the environmental legacy we wish to preserve for future generations.

I urge every resident of Colorado who shares these concerns to sign this petition. Let us stand together to ensure that all AI data centers respect our environmental boundaries and reflect the will of the people. Please sign and share this petition with your networks. Together, we can make a difference.