As a lifelong resident of Benton County, I find myself deeply concerned about the proposed construction of an AI data center in our community. For decades, our county has been a haven for families, a place where wildlife thrives, where our lakes and rivers run clean, and where the value of our homes is not just measured in dollars but in the quality of life it affords us.

Imagine the landscape of Benton County irreparably changed: industrial noise interrupting the tranquil chorus of nature, and the looming threat of water resources being strained beyond capacity. The introduction of large-scale data centers will require enormous amounts of water for cooling, risking contamination and depletion of local water supplies—a commodity already under strain with growing community needs and uncertain weather patterns we’ve had in the recent years. 

Studies have demonstrated that data centers can have serious environmental impacts. According to research by Nature Communications, the global data center industry consumes about 200 terawatt-hours each year, more than some countries' annual electricity consumption, contributing significantly to carbon emissions. Bringing such a facility to Benton County threatens our local commitment to sustainability and preserving natural landscapes.

Furthermore, property values and community resources are at risk. Similar projects have shown that proximity to large industrial facilities often results in depressed property values and strain on local infrastructure. 

This is not just an issue for today, but for the generations of Benton County citizens that follow. We must prioritize sustainable development that aligns with our community's needs and values. We urge our ELECTED officials not exploit our precious natural resources or compromise the essence of our community.

Sign this petition to preserve Benton County's environment, property values, and quality of life. Let us show that our voices matter and that the well-being of community and nature should guide our development strategies.