Spokane considers temporary halt on data center construction
Spokane City Council members have proposed a one-year moratorium on new data center construction citywide to study potential impacts on water use, energy demand, noise, and development plans. This comes as Avista is in preliminary talks to provide electricity for an unnamed data center project in eastern Washington, prompting concern from residents. A city council vote is scheduled for June 15th.
Spokane City Council members have introduced a proposal for an immediate one-year moratorium on new data center construction within the city limits. The ordinance aims to temporarily halt the acceptance and approval of permits for new facilities while the city studies potential impacts on water use, energy demand, noise, and long-term development plans. This proposal is scheduled for a city council vote on June 15th, allowing for public comment beforehand.
The announcement follows Avista's revelation that it is in preliminary discussions to provide electricity to an unnamed data center project in eastern Washington under a memorandum of understanding. The exact location and developer of this project remain undisclosed. Spokane City Council member Sarah Dixit stated that the council has received an overwhelming number of messages from concerned constituents about the potential impact of such a development on their lives, highlighting a regional problem extending beyond city boundaries.
Avista's CEO previously suggested that a large-scale data center could potentially offset overall utility costs, leading to less upward pressure on customers' bills, and could also mean positive news for job growth and economic development. However, the proposed project is not yet finalized, requiring both local and federal permits, as well as final approval from the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission.