The picturesque landscapes and natural beauty of the Appalachian Mountains in North Carolina are being threatened by the unchecked expansion of large data centers. These massive facilities consume enormous amounts of electricity and water, and their construction often leads to deforestation, habitat destruction, and noise pollution. The increasing demand for digital infrastructure should not come at the cost of our precious natural resources. We are calling on local county authorities to implement strict ordinances that limit the establishment and expansion of large data centers in our region.

First and foremost, data centers require significant amounts of electricity to cool down the countless servers inside. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, data centers in the United States consumed about 73 billion kWh in 2020, representing approximately 2% of the total electricity usage in the country. This energy consumption is likely to increase, considering the steady rise in digital data production and storage needs. In an area where preserving our natural environment is crucial, it is imperative that we control this burgeoning energy demand.

Moreover, water usage is another critical concern. Data centers can use hundreds of thousands of gallons of water per day to prevent their systems from overheating. This extensive water consumption can strain local water supplies, endangering both the ecosystem and the community's needs.

The construction of these centers also results in significant environmental degradation. Trees are cleared, wildlife habitats are disrupted, and the tranquility of our beloved mountains is marred by construction noise and heavy machinery operations. Such disruptions not only impact the flora and fauna but also the residents and tourists who seek solace in these natural surroundings.

 Our mountains represent a vital part of our community's heritage and identity, and their protection should be a top priority.

We urge fellow residents and nature lovers to sign this petition to safeguard our mountains for future generations.