Nestled amidst the rolling plains and rugged natural beauty of Platte County, Wyoming, our farms and ranches are the heartbeats of our community. For generations, families have cultivated not just crops and livestock, but a way of life that connects us deeply to the land and to each other.

Our county is largely agricultural, a place where multigenerational farms thrive, embodying the spirit of Rural America. This lifestyle, however, is under threat. Recently, a company from New York has submitted an application to build a data center on the Platte and Goshen County Line. This development threatens not only the tranquility and beauty of our landscape but also the viability of our agricultural community, which is already grappling with the relentless challenges of drought.

Data centers are notorious for their immense water and energy consumption. Often, they displace local wildlife and contribute significantly to environmental degradation. In a primarily arid climate like Wyoming's, where water is a precious resource, the establishment of such a facility could exacerbate existing drought conditions and strain our resources further.

Moreover, these colossal structures could pave over some of the last remaining natural landscapes in rural America, obliterating the ecological balance our farms and ranches depend on. The presence of heavy machinery, increased traffic, and potential air and noise pollution poses a direct threat to our community's health and the environment.

We understand the need for technological infrastructure; however, rural, agricultural areas like Platte County should not be sacrificed. Instead, let's prioritize locations that are already industrialized or have the infrastructure to support such developments without disrupting local communities and ecosystems.

Let's stand together to protect the natural beauty and agricultural heritage of Platte County. We urge our county officials to reject the application for this data center and seek alternative solutions that preserve our landscapes and livelihood.

Please, join us in safeguarding our lands for future generations by signing this petition. Together, we can ensure that technological progress does not come at the expense of our community. 

Other ways you can contribute to make sure your voice is heard: email planner@plattecountywyoming.com. You can also contact the Platte County Commissioners. Come to the  Planning and Zoning Meeting at 7PM on Tuesday, August 11th or the Commissioners meeting at 10AM on Thursday, August 20th.