In Kewanee, Illinois, we're all too familiar with the struggles of keeping up with ever-increasing utility bills. Most of us work hard to maintain our homes and support our families—every dollar counts. Recently, there has been a push to construct new data centers in our area. While progress and technological advancement are often welcomed, these developments can come with hidden costs that place an unfair burden on local residents.

One of the main concerns with bringing data centers to Kewanee is the significant infrastructure upgrades that will be required, such as enhancements to power grids and cooling systems. These upgrades are not inexpensive, and many of us fear that the costs will ultimately fall on our shoulders. Our utility bills, already pushing our budgets, could skyrocket if these changes proceed, effectively prioritizing corporate interests over the well-being of our community.

For instance, similar projects in other regions have led to unforeseen expenses passed onto residents. In Des Moines, data center construction resulted in a 20% increase in electricity costs due to the need for greater energy demand. This cannot be the future for Kewanee. Our community should not be forced to fund infrastructure that predominantly benefits outsiders and large corporations.

Moreover, the environmental implications of large data centers are worrisome. They require immense amounts of energy and water, which exacerbates existing environmental challenges. Data centers have been known to consume over 200,000 gallons of water per day, resource consumption our local ecosystems simply cannot sustain.

We urge local government officials and developers to consider the long-term impact on our environment, our economy, and our quality of life. There are alternative locations better suited for such developments, where infrastructure can support massive industrial buildings without compromising the financial stability of local communities.

Our community deserves a fair chance to thrive without being overshadowed by large corporate interests. Let us protect Kewanee's residents from bearing unnecessary financial burdens and stress on our local environment. Please support our cause and sign this petition to prevent the construction of data centers in our cherished hometown—Kewanee, Illinois. Your signature is a step toward safeguarding our community's financial resilience and environmental sustainability.