Please don’t donate to this petition the money just goes to change.org not to help us in Salix thank you.

Living less than a mile from the proposed 900 acre mega data center location in Salix, Iowa, I have seen first-hand the close-knit, peaceful environment that our community cherishes. Many of us have chosen to settle here because of the tranquility and small-town vibe that defines our way of life. Our county is characterized by its beautiful natural landscapes, clean environment, and agricultural roots. We must protect these assets from developments that might jeopardize our peace and quality of life.

The construction of a mega data center in our cherished town poses numerous environmental risks that cannot be overlooked. This proposed 900 acre massive facility is likely to lead to increased air and noise pollution from the machinery and constant traffic of goods and personnel in and out of the area. The environmental footprint of a data center, with heavy energy consumption and potential water resource strain, threatens the pristine nature of Woodbury County and the health of qualify of life of the people who live here.

According to a report by the Natural Resources Defense Council, data centers in the U.S. already consume around 70 billion kWh of electricity annually. This proposed data center would add to the burden, potentially drawing energy away from our local needs, and leading to higher energy costs for local residents. Moreover, the sharp increase in water usage to cool the facilities will deplete our local resources, affecting agriculture, the backbone of our economy, and disrupting our already delicate ecosystem (Owego Wetlands and Loess Hills)

Beyond environmental implications, the construction and operation of this data center would fundamentally alter the social fabric of the quaint town of Salix with our 304 residents.  The sheer amount of heavy equipment on the highways and roads will be destructive, costly and cause traffic delays. The expected influx of hundreds of transient workers and increased traffic would disrupt the peaceful country living we hold so dear. Instead of nurturing a development that doesn't align with our values, the Salix City Council and the Woodbury County Board of Supervisors should prioritize initiatives that support local, sustainable growth.

We stand together in opposition of a mega data center being built in Salix because we are concerned about the permanent and potentially irreversible impact on our environment and community. Economic benefits that are promised by these developments often fail to materialize at the community level, leaving behind only the environmental and social costs.  

This petition serves three purposes. 1) We urge the Woodbury County Board of Supervisors to do whatever they can to help us fight this in Salix.  2) We request the city council of Salix NOT to rezone this land and to not let a data center be built. The focus on sustainable developments that align with our community's character and environmental preservation is what should be the goal - not dividing our community.  3) We request an emergency moratorium be inacted immediately for both the city of Salix and Woodbury County on any data center, battery storage facility, solar farm or wind turbine development to protect the citziens until more factual information can be provided and proven.