As passionate members of the Henry County community, we are raising our voices against the proposed construction of a data center by Western Hospitality Partners (WHP). We cannot stand by as our neighbor county, Oldham, is fighting against the same intrusion that could drastically alter our rural lifestyle.

The catastrophe isn't distant. Other counties have already suffered the fallout of such data centers. Among the troubling problems are the significant environmental impacts and the serious health implications. Data centers are notorious for requiring colossal volumes of water and energy for their cooling and operation. The demand that this puts on our rural county can lead to notable issues, most crucially, straining our local resources particularly our utilities, creating wastewater discharge, using harmful cooling chemicals, and leading to possible disruptions or delays.

Let's not forget the destruction of animal habitats, increased noise pollution, poor air quality, and an overall decrease in our quality of life. These data centers don't just take our tranquil lifestyle; they also impose an unbearable burden on our environment. Our water sources, our ecosystems, and our peaceful skies will pay the price; a price too steep for the short-term economic benefit that a data center promises.

It is our county, and it is our right to protect it. Will we allow these disruptions in our lives and the lives of our wildlife in the name of progress? I believe we won't. Together, let's send a powerful message to the Henry County Economic Development Planning Committee: We won't tolerate the imposition of WHP's data center.

Stand with us for Henry County; let's defend our homes, our quality of life, and our environment. Sign the petition today.