Growing up in Grand Junction, Colorado has always been a blessing for me and my family. Our community has long benefited from the natural beauty and abundant resources that this region has to offer. However, plans to establish a large AI Center in Grand Junction is causing significant concern among local residents, myself included. We love our city for its natural landscapes, agriculture, and a way of life that could be dramatically altered by such an enormous new development.

The proposed AI Center is set to utilize massive resources, including a substantial amount of water and energy, which are already under strain in Colorado. According to the Colorado Water Conservation Board, our state faces an impending water shortage, with demand projected to outstrip supply by as much as 560,000 acre-feet by 2050. Moreover, energy consumption would dramatically increase; AI centers are notoriously power-hungry, requiring a continuous supply of electricity, which could redirect essential energy from other local needs.

Additionally, housing is already a contested issue in our region with median home prices rising over 17% in the last year alone, according to the Grand Junction Area Realtor Association. The influx of workers needed for the AI Center could exacerbate this problem, pushing costs even further beyond the reach of local families who call Grand Junction home.

The implementation of such a center also raises environmental concerns, threatening the delicate ecosystems and rural landscapes we cherish. The construction and ongoing operations could lead to increased pollution and habitat disruption, undermining decades of conservation efforts.

While we recognize that technological advancements are crucial, they should not come at the expense of local communities. We propose seeking alternative, less resource-intensive locations for the center within Colorado, sites that would not drain our local resources, or contribute heavily to our housing crisis. People in power need to consider the broader impact on our community's way of life before proceeding.

Join us in safeguarding the future and sustainability of Grand Junction for generations to come. Sign this petition to express your opposition to the AI Center in our beloved town and to urge local authorities and developers to reconsider their plans. Together, we can advocate for decisions that balance technological progress with environmental stewardship and community well-being.