I grew up in Terre Haute, an area renowned for its picturesque landscapes and rich community spirit. The winding trails and serene parks have always been a haven for both locals and wildlife. Recently, however, our peaceful corner of Indiana is facing a looming threat—proposals for data centers that promise to radically alter our community and environment.

Terre Haute and Vigo County are not just locations; they are home. These proposed data centers bring an influx of heavy infrastructure and industrial traffic that threatens our daily life as we know it. These centers require significant resources, drawing enormous amounts of electricity and water which may lead to increased utility costs and infrastructural strains. Furthermore, data centers can be significant contributors to noise and light pollution, disrupting not only the humans who call this area home, but our local wildlife as well.

Statistics indicate that data centers are one of the fastest-growing components of electricity demand. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), data centers and data transmission networks absorb approximately 1% of global electricity use. When considering our environment, every percentage counts, and bringing such infrastructure to Terre Haute could significantly increase our carbon footprint.

Our beautiful community and its natural resources are too valuable to risk for the demands of large tech corporations. These corporations should instead be investing in infrastructure in areas already equipped for industrial development, rather than encroaching on our rural and ecologically sensitive lands.

Instead of prioritizing corporate interest, let’s encourage the focus on initiatives that promote sustainability and community-centric development. We urge our local government to invest in green tech alternatives and prioritize our community’s well-being by preserving its natural beauty.

Join me in sending a clear message: vote NO to allowing data centers in Terre Haute and Vigo County, Indiana. Sign this petition to protect our beloved community and safeguard our natural habitat.