Living in Wapakoneta, Ohio has always meant being part of a close-knit community where each decision on development significantly impacts our lives. When plans for a new data center in our town were announced, it initially looked promising; another sign of progress, they said. But beneath this veneer of advancement, serious concerns have emerged that demand our attention and action.

Firstly, rising electricity rates are a grim reality when it comes to hosting data centers. These facilities are notorious for their excessive energy consumption, often leading to increased utility costs for nearby residents. Such a strain on electricity can have severe repercussions on our everyday lives and make basic utilities more expensive for many families.

Moreover, the enormous water usage of data centers represents another substantial ecological problem. In a world where every gallon counts, maintaining the vast cooling systems of these centers demands vast quantities of water, posing potential risks to our local water supply.

Local tax breaks offered to developers make the deal seem attractive to them, but in reality, these result in substantial financial burdens on the rest of the community. The promise of economic development and job creation often falls flat, bringing us to another vital point: the negligible employment opportunities they actually provide. Research, including studies cited by the esteemed Harvard Gazette, has illustrated how minimal the local job creation from data centers truly is. Jobs generated are often less than predicted, not always filled by local individuals, and generally transient rather than permanent.

In contrast, heavy use of local resources and the likelihood of environmental degradation continue long after developers leave with their tax incentives. We deserve better than this. Instead of pouring our resources into a venture that offers little in return, we should prioritize sustainable and equitable development that truly benefits Wapakoneta.

Join us in urging local government and developers to rethink this project. By signing this petition, you help protect our community from unsustainable growth, safeguard our natural resources, and demand accountability and transparency in local development decisions. We owe it to ourselves and future generations to advocate for a future that respects our community’s needs and the environment. Please sign this petition to prevent the construction of the data center in Wapakoneta, Ohio.