In recent times, concerns have grown in our community of Wendell, North Carolina, and the surrounding towns,regarding the proposal to establish a data center in our town. As someone deeply invested in the well-being of our community, I wish to share the worries that many of us hold about the potential impacts of such a development. Information from other areas that have existing AI data centers has come to light, revealing significant issues impacting citizens and biodiversity alike. It becomes increasingly clear that a data center with AI capabilities or large-scale data processing needs could put a tremendous burden on our town's community and resources.

Data centers, as we know, are substantial consumers of electricity and water. The demand for energy in these centers is immense, often equated to the consumption levels seen in the aluminum industry. According to reports, a single data center can use as much electricity as a small city. In addition, the water usage involved, primarily to cool these massive computing operations, can strain local water resources, leading to shortages and inflated utilities for local residents.

Such infrastructures could further contribute to environmental degradation, affecting the plant and animal life intrinsic to our regional ecosystem. Reports from other regions suggest potential risks to local biodiversity, with changes in microclimates, pollution, and other detrimental impacts being documented.

Moreover, the economic implications are substantial. The establishment of such a center may lead to elevated property taxes as infrastructure costs rise and local resources are stretched thin. Ultimately, this financial strain will be borne by Wendell’s residents, significantly affecting our daily lives, budgets, and community well-being.

Therefore, I urge you to consider joining our cause to prevent the construction of a data center in Wendell now or in the future. Let us prioritize our community's long-term health, economic stability, and environmental sustainability over short-term economic profits. Please lend your voice to protect Wendell's future by signing this petition. Together, we can send a strong message to our town's decision-makers that our community's rights and resources should come first. Sign and share this petition to show your support against the establishment of data centers in our hometown.