Burlington, Iowa is a delightful city that prides itself on preserving its unique charm, community spirit, and environmental integrity. The prospect of establishing data centers in or near this city, as well as its surrounding towns and counties, poses significant threats that we urgently need to address.

First and foremost, data centers are notorious for their intensive energy consumption. According to the International Energy Agency, data centers contribute to 1% of global electricity demand, and this figure is only expected to rise. The introduction of one or more data centers could potentially lead to increased local energy costs and a higher carbon footprint, contradicting the environmental preservation goals of our community.

Moreover, data centers require substantial amounts of water for cooling processes. As reported by the U.S. Geological Survey, these facilities could use hundreds of thousands of gallons daily, potentially straining local water resources, impacting agriculture, and affecting water availability for residents. With Burlington’s commitment to maintaining its natural beauty and resources, allowing data centers here poses an unwelcome risk.

The construction and operation of data centers could also disrupt local ecosystems and wildlife habitats. Noise pollution during construction and from ongoing machinery operations could disturb the tranquility that our residents and wildlife cherish. There are real scenarios across the U.S. where local wildlife and habitats have been compromised due to the establishment of similar facilities.

Furthermore, data centers do not contribute significantly to local employment. Operations are largely automated, meaning that despite the promise of job creation, many new opportunities come during the construction phase only, leaving long-term benefits scant compared to the costs.

We, therefore, call on local governance bodies, environmental agencies, and community leaders to protect Burlington and its surrounding areas from the pressures and risks associated with data centers. We must explore alternative strategies that align with sustainable growth and community well-being.

Please sign this petition to voice your opposition against the construction of data centers in Burlington, Iowa, or nearby regions. Let us ensure our community thrives in a healthy, balanced, and sustainably managed environment.