I live in Salem, Oregon, a community that prides itself on its natural resources, community, and local businesses. However, our city is under threat due to the proposal for a new data center development in SE Salem Mill Creek area. This data center will consume mass amounts of natural water and power, not to mention the noise pollution these centers produce. All while contributing little to the community it would reside in.

Data centers across the country have caused water shortages, power grid failures, and loss of community. One data center can use as much power as an entire city. Salem prides itself on its natural resources like Mill Creek and the Willamette River, all of which are in jeopardy should this data center be built.

Contrary to popular belief, data centers do not provide substantial amounts of jobs for the community. The initial construction jobs it provides are short-lived. The 75-acre data center would provide 75 new jobs. Jobs that could be invested in our local community instead of private corporations. 

We have the power to invest in projects that align with Salem’s community values like renewable energy or supporting local businesses that employ our community members. We can support Salem in investing in a future for our people, not in investing for the complete use of all of our resources we rely on. This goes beyond taking a stance on a single project. This is for the betterment of Salem and the community as a whole to reach for a future that is better for all of us. I encourage you to join me in saying NO to the Verrus Data Center development in Salem.

Together we can stand strong against big corporations using the resources we value most.