Growing up in Cleveland, VA has shown me the profound beauty and tranquility of our beloved community. As a lifelong resident, I've witnessed firsthand the tireless efforts our community has made to protect the integrity of our town. Just a few years ago, we united to prevent the construction of a landfill on Moss 3, a testament to our commitment to preserving our environment and community.

Now, this cherished area faces another threat. The proposed construction of the Moss 3 data center by Oasis Digital Properties, supported by the Russell County Board of Supervisors and the Russell County IDA, poses significant risks to our community's environmental health, infrastructure, and overall quality of life. We cannot allow corporate interests to override the wellbeing of our community.

Data centers are notorious for their high energy consumption and extensive water usage. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, data centers consume 1.8% of the total national electricity use. Such consumption demands large amounts of water, a precious resource our community heavily relies on. This could strain our local resources, impacting our daily lives and potentially increasing costs for residents.

Additionally, the infrastructure required for such a facility could permanently alter the landscape we have worked so hard to protect. Increased traffic, noise, and pollution are just some of the immediate issues we would face. According to the National Resources Defense Council, data centers are also sources of greenhouse gas emissions, which run counter to our efforts to maintain a clean and sustainable environment in Cleveland.

We need to come together once more, unified in our cause to protect our community. We call on the Russell County Board of Supervisors, the Russell County IDA, and Oasis to halt plans for the Moss 3 data center. Instead of imposing such a development on us, let us collaborate to find a more suitable location that does not compromise our values or our home.

We fought once before and succeeded, proving that when Cleveland stands together, we can make a real difference. Let us rally again, stronger than ever, to safeguard our community. Please sign this petition and lend your voice to stop the Moss 3 data center and preserve the essence of Cleveland for generations to come.