Greenpeace

My name is Emma Wicker and I grew up in Rutherford County in North Carolina about 10 minutes away from where Facebook is building their new data center. Rutherford County is at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains; which is a province of the Appalachian Mountains. Right now much of the Appalachian Mountains are being destroyed for Mountain Top Removal and our nation’s dependence on coal. The Blue Ridge Mountains have not yet been touched by this destructive procedure, but the thought of losing any of these natural wonders breaks my heart.

I'm excited that Facebook has decided to build their data center in Forest City. They are bringing this community; whose economy has been hit hard in the last ten years, with some much needed jobs. I love Facebook, I use it every day, but this data center is going to be powered by dirty coal.

Facebook is a product of our generation. Such an innovative company should be focused on leading the way for others. Coal has no place in our future. Instead, they should be focusing on creating green jobs and advocating for clean energy at the local, national, and international level. Facebook can help lead the energy revolution if they only commit to phasing out of coal (completely by 2021) and on to clean and renewable energy by Earth Day 2011. 

 This campaign hits close to home for me. It is important that we move quickly towards a greener future; a coal free one. If Facebook promises to commit to these things they will be a wonderful neighbor to acquire and I will welcome them into Rutherford County, "Small Town Friendly," with open arms.