I strongly oppose the proposed data center being located so close to Mammoth Cave and our community. Mammoth Cave is a unique natural treasure that deserves protection for future generations. I am concerned about the potential impacts on local resources, the environment, and the quality of life for residents in Cave City and surrounding areas. Economic development is important, but it should not come at the expense of our natural heritage or the well-being of our people.

Mammoth Cave, with its extensive underground labyrinth, is recognized not just locally but globally. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it attracts countless tourists every year, contributing significantly to our local economy. The proposed data center could threaten this delicate balance by introducing environmental hazards such as noise, light, and water pollution, which could disrupt the cave's ecosystem and diminish its appeal.

Furthermore, the construction and operational demands of a data center require vast resources, including electricity and water, which could strain the local infrastructure and potentially lead to increased utility costs for residents. The data center could also increase traffic and pose additional burdens on our roads, not to mention the visual and noise impact on an area known for its natural beauty.

While the promise of job creation and economic stimulation may appear tempting, the long-term consequences of situating a data center in close proximity to Mammoth Cave must be thoroughly evaluated. We urge the authorities to consider alternative locations for the data center that would not imperil our natural heritage or compromise the quality of life in our community.

This issue is not just about opposing a data center; it's about preserving the unique environmental, historical, and cultural landscape of Cave City and its surroundings. We believe in sustainable development that harmonizes economic growth with ecological preservation.

Please join us in opposing the data center's construction in Cave City. Sign this petition to urge local authorities to protect Mammoth Cave and our community's future by exploring more suitable locations for such developments. Together, we can find solutions that benefit both our local economy and our treasured environment.

Data Center Size
Typical Power Demand
Small business/server room
10–100 kilowatts (kW)
Small commercial data center
100 kW–1 megawatt (MW)
Medium data center
1–10 MW
Large data center
10–100+ MW
Hyperscale data center (Google, Amazon, Microsoft, etc.)
100–500+ MW

To put that in perspective:

1 MW can power roughly 750–1,000 homes.
100 MW can use as much electricity as 75,000–100,000 homes.
Some of the newest AI-focused data centers are being designed to consume hundreds of megawatts to over 1 gigawatt (1,000 MW).

include:

High water use – Many data centers use significant amounts of water for cooling, which can strain local water supplies, especially during droughts or in areas with limited groundwater resources.
High energy demand – Data centers consume large amounts of electricity. If the power comes from fossil fuels, this can increase greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.
Noise pollution – Cooling systems, generators, and other equipment can create constant low-frequency noise that nearby residents may find disruptive.
Environmental impacts – Construction can disturb wildlife habitat, increase stormwater runoff, and alter local landscapes.
Backup generator emissions – Diesel backup generators used during outages can produce exhaust emissions and particulate pollution when operated or tested.
Light pollution – Large facilities may operate 24/7 with extensive exterior lighting, potentially affecting nearby residents and wildlife.
Infrastructure strain – New roads, power lines, and utility upgrades may be required, affecting surrounding communities and natural areas.
Limited long-term employment – While construction creates jobs, many data centers employ relatively few people once operational compared to the amount of land and resources they use.