50 signatures reached
To: Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez, Senator Mark Spreitzer, District 45 State Representative Clinton Anderson, District 44 State Representative Ann Roe, District 43 State Representative Brienne Brown
Rescue Rock River
Dear State Representatives, Senator and Lieutenant Governor,
As a Wisconsin native, current constituent of district 45, and previous constituent of both districts 44 and 43, I urge you to reject and refuse the approval of proposed data centers that have begun to plague multiple cities in our beautiful state. Currently there is a data center beginning its construction in district 44 (Janesville, to be exact) that is happening mere yards away from the ecologically diverse Rock River. There is another data center proposal for both the Town of Beloit and the city of Beloit. Can you guess where they propose the build for this data center should be? If you guessed Rock River you’d be correct. If both data centers are built the Burrwood neighborhood will be directly in the middle of both. The Janesville data center will be just seven miles up stream. I find this troubling due to the diverse population of wildlife that the Rock River provides for. The Burrwood neighborhood which resides in the Town of Beloit is directly on the Rock River, as well. I mention this because this exact neighborhood is home to a mated pair of bald eagles and their nest, a major stopping port for pelicans, mallards, geese, and swans. It is also next door to Preservation Park which also borders the Rock River. The damage data centers are causing to waterways in many communities around the country, will surely damage our wonderful river and will have lasting negative impacts on the wildlife and residents who consider Rock River as apart of their homes. To maintain the integrity, dignity, health and wellbeing of all district 44 and 45 residents I ask that you reject all proposals, future and current for any and all data centers requesting to be built in our backyard. I also ask that you suspend and halt all construction for the data center being built in districts 44 Janesville until it is determined whether or not this project will have lasting negative effects on our waterways.
As a Wisconsin native, current constituent of district 45, and previous constituent of both districts 44 and 43, I urge you to reject and refuse the approval of proposed data centers that have begun to plague multiple cities in our beautiful state. Currently there is a data center beginning its construction in district 44 (Janesville, to be exact) that is happening mere yards away from the ecologically diverse Rock River. There is another data center proposal for both the Town of Beloit and the city of Beloit. Can you guess where they propose the build for this data center should be? If you guessed Rock River you’d be correct. If both data centers are built the Burrwood neighborhood will be directly in the middle of both. The Janesville data center will be just seven miles up stream. I find this troubling due to the diverse population of wildlife that the Rock River provides for. The Burrwood neighborhood which resides in the Town of Beloit is directly on the Rock River, as well. I mention this because this exact neighborhood is home to a mated pair of bald eagles and their nest, a major stopping port for pelicans, mallards, geese, and swans. It is also next door to Preservation Park which also borders the Rock River. The damage data centers are causing to waterways in many communities around the country, will surely damage our wonderful river and will have lasting negative impacts on the wildlife and residents who consider Rock River as apart of their homes. To maintain the integrity, dignity, health and wellbeing of all district 44 and 45 residents I ask that you reject all proposals, future and current for any and all data centers requesting to be built in our backyard. I also ask that you suspend and halt all construction for the data center being built in districts 44 Janesville until it is determined whether or not this project will have lasting negative effects on our waterways.
Why is this important?
Rock River is home to a multitude of wildlife such as bald eagles, pelicans, mallards, geese, swans, hawks, and even Sandhill Cranes. These species are imperative to the health and balance of Rock River. Not only does this river provide a home and food for these animals, it also provides respite, relaxations and recreational activities for Beloit and Janesville families. As these two communities already have a hard time attracting tourists, it is the Rock River that keeps our tourism alive and thriving during the summer months. The Rock River is more important to Rock County revenue than any data center that will only employ maybe 600 people will ever be. There are various businesses in both communities that border and rely on the Rock River to draw in customers who are admiring its untamable beauty. My husband and I hosted our wedding ceremony and reception at Preservation Park which is directly apart of the Rock River water way. By doing so we provided revenue to the Town of Beloit by purchasing a permit for the event. We also provided revenue to local businesses for their services during the wedding event. The Rock River was the main reason and attraction as to why we wanted our wedding at Preservation Park. Let’s adhere to the name of this park and preserve the health and wellbeing of the Rock River.