FIRSTLY- Donations are not for this cause, they go to Change.org . WE NEED SIGNATURES & IT IS FREE TO SIGN!

By signing this petition, you are OPPOSED to the construction of an AI DATA CENTER in Hildebran, NC and any other communities in BURKE AND CATAWBA COUNTY. 

THE ISSUE 

Burke County and neighboring Catawba County in North Carolina are proud of their natural beauty, rich history, and caring communities. However, 42 acres was purchased to build a massive AI data center in Hildebran N. AI not only threatens to alter the landscape, impact local water and energy resources, bring nonstop noise and air pollution it promises to bring that to the very small town of Hildebran. Off Cline Park Drive.

WHY STOP AI?
AI Data Centers consume vast amounts of energy and require significant water resources for cooling systems. They wipe out trees and wildlife for miles.

WATER- They consume fresh water in two ways: 1-onsite server cooling and 2-offsite electricity generation. Increased water & energy demands significantly strain utilities and will eventually deplete the area's CLEAN resources.

Catawba RiverKeepers state, "The Catawba-Wateree River is used for drinking water for more than 2.5 million people, electricity generation for 3.7 million homes, industry, agriculture & recreation." Foothills Conservancy. Org describes Henry Fork River as "an Outstanding Resource that contributes to municipal water supplies downstream in the Catawba River basin." Runoff from the hills in southeastern Burke County (Example-High Shoals Waterfall in South Mtn) and southwestern Catawba County is collected by Henry Fork and Jacob Fork Rivers. These water sources are vital to our quality of life. Years of effort to protect these waters will be wiped out by AI. 

NOISE and LIGHT Pollution- AI Data centers NEVER STOP operating! It is a CONSTANT noise that lights up everything for miles at ALL TIMES. This not only disturbs our peace but has a negative impact on all living things including our ability to grow food.  High concentrations of EMFs from AI infrastructure interferes with our BEES - their navigation,& pollination which we depend on heavily for food.  It significantly reduces OUR bird's foraging and reproduction. 

Deforestation - We need MORE trees not less. 42 Acres for a single AI Data center is just a drop in the bucket. And they will not stop at one. In fact, a simple google search shows counties all around us fighting to stop AI data centers by calling for a moratorium.

AIR Pollution-Methane & CO2 emissions-both are greenhouse gases, but differ mainly in potency and lifespan. Methane is 80+ times more potent than CO2 over 20 years but only lasts ~12 years in the atmosphere, whereas CO2 persists for centuries, making it the primary driver of long-term climate change. AI produces SIGNIFICANT CO2. Research shows AI Data Centers particularly those powered by fossil fuels or using backup diesel generators emit toxic air pollutants—including nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, and fine particulates—linked to cancers and respiratory diseases. Studies project up to 1,300 annual premature deaths by 2030 due to this pollution.

AI JOB REPLACEMENT- It is NO SECRET that AI is not creating jobs. It is going to REPLACE us. Data Centers do not equal job creation. Any position available are few and usually requires specialized skills, and there is no guarantee that a local resident will be hired.

We urge the Burke & Catawba County Leaders to FIGHT WITH US TO STOP AI Data Centers TODAY!  There is NO PLACE for AI DATA Centers in Our Communities!

Please join us in advocating for a sustainable future for Burke & Catawba County by signing this petition. Your voice matters in protecting the integrity and wellbeing of our beloved county. Together, we can make a difference.