As the use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) has rapidly grown, the technology behind these systems can no longer meet the demands required. In order to combat this, the companies behind these technologies have found “resolve” in the boost of creating data centers across the country. These large scale operations can seem beneficial in political promise, but when understood, it is clear to see that their presence is much greater a hazard than a benefit. 

Our small town of Pikeville, Kentucky, has recently found itself in the midst of this issue. In recent months, our local government brought light to their “review of a potential data center project.” (More direct information surrounding this “review” can be found here: https://pikevilleky.gov/community-links/data-center-)information/ 

Pike County is in a crisis. Left in years of economic decay from the collapse of industries that once dominated, we are desperate. We need jobs, but the pitiful handout of only 40 permanent jobs at the cost of geographical destruction, we are selling out. 

Data centers cannot and will not run without draining whatever area they are placed in of its precious resources.  While jobs may be promised, data centers also bring other promises that most politicians don’t enjoy talking about: noise pollution, water contamination, air pollution, and most importantly economic pressure on locals. Data centers use a profound amount of water and electricity. While our citizens face impossibly high water and electricity bills through companies such as Mountain Water District and Kentucky Power, a data centers would only increase these rates. 

Our community needs jobs, but we don’t need to find them within such a dangerous industry. Are we willing to sell our home for the promise of 40 jobs? 

Sign now to say no to data centers in our backyard.