Protests in Seattle, across WA call for pause on AI data center boom
At least 19 protests across Washington called for a moratorium on large data centers, citing concerns about electricity and water consumption, pollution, privacy and AI regulation. The demonstrations followed Seattle’s adoption of a one-year moratorium and other temporary prohibitions, while state lawmakers consider new data center regulations.
Protesters gathered in Seattle and communities across Washington to demand a state-level moratorium on large data centers being developed to support artificial intelligence. Washington AI Resistance organized at least 19 demonstrations, with participants citing electricity and water use, potential pollution, privacy concerns and the effect of new facilities on utility customers.
The protests came after the Washington Legislature failed to advance data center regulations this year. Seattle’s City Council approved a one-year moratorium in June, while Skagit and Snohomish counties and several cities adopted temporary prohibitions. State Rep. Gerry Pollet said he supports a moratorium, while Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen said lawmakers may pass significant regulatory requirements for new AI data centers in the next session. Microsoft and Amazon were identified as major industry players whose lobbyists opposed the stalled legislation, though company representatives did not comment.