Our way of life is being threatened in Sullivan County, where they are attempting to buy massive amounts of farmland to build AI data centers. These centers will drastically alter the rural landscape we cherish. In our county, there is no zoning, meaning it's ultimately the decision of the landowner as to what they do with their property.

The tech companies are moving in with rapid speed. We've already got an "Industrial Park" on the way which is basically a disguised data center.  

With such infrastructures, there are numerous potential consequences that we, as a community must understand and assess before proceeding further. Shouldn't we first inquire about how these massive structures will impact our local environment, economy, and the very fabric of our community?

Data centers require massive amounts of electricity and water, contributing to significant environmental costs. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, data centers account for about 2% of the entire country’s electricity use. This could potentially lead to increased utility costs for residents. Moreover, the construction and operation of these centers could disrupt local ecosystems, contribute to noise pollution, water pollution, and displace wildlife.

Beyond the environmental concerns, there's the matter of preserving our county's identity. Sullivan County is known for its pastoral landscapes and tight-knit community. Allowing such large-scale industrialization could detract from the very charm that we've built our lives around.

Despite the promise of new jobs, most of these data centers employ fewer staff than traditional industries, providing limited economic benefit to locals.

Let us ensure that any development aligns with the values and needs of our community.

Please sign this petition to urge our county leaders and decision-makers to conduct comprehensive environmental impact assessments and to halt the construction of further AI data centers until thorough evaluations are made. Protect our lands, our community, and our future!