We sign this petition to DEMAND A MORATORIUM ON ALL DATA CENTER INFRASTRUCTURE—we as citizens have not been considered in this deal, and we do not want this monstrous 1500 mw energy plant in our rural, residential, and agricultural town.

Growing up in Mitchell County surrounded by its lush landscapes and vibrant agriculture, I have cherished every sunset, every field, and every memory this land has given me. This is not just a piece of land; it is our home, our identity. Today, this cherished land and its future hangs in the balance as the Commissioners rezone agricultural land for industrial uses such as data centers, labs, power plants, and solar farms.

I am witnessing the elders of our community panic as they see a power plant being planned, threatening to change our way of life forever. Plans to pump up to and above 5 million gallons of water per day from a deep aquifer to cool and power plant engines are deeply troubling. Tapping into these ancient aquifers not only risks depleting a crucial resource but has potential wide-reaching impacts on all of us: our children, our elders, our air and water quality, wildlife, and the very soil that has supported generations of farming.

Rezoning these lands invites unchecked predatory corporate land grabs, destroying the rural character that makes Mitchell County unique, and creating profound uncertainty about our future. This shift not only poses environmental risks but also undermines the fabric of our community, replacing open fields and farms with industrial blight and changing how we live, work, and connect with one another.

We understand the need for development, but it must be balanced with the needs and will of local communities. Development should support sustainable growth, preserve our precious resources, and respect the traditions and the natural beauty that defines us.

Thus, we call upon the Commissioners of Mitchell County to halt any plans to rezone agricultural land for industrial use. The people opposing this showed up in large numbers and we still were not heard. Let us instead focus on nurturing projects that harmonize with our agricultural roots, and secure the legacy we leave for future generations.

Sign this petition to urge our Commissioners to put our community first. Stop putting corporations before your community! Protect our water, maintain our air quality, and preserve the rural integrity of Mitchell County. Together, we can ensure a better, sustainable future for all who call this beautiful county home.