Klickitat County commissioners still pondering data center rules
Klickitat County commissioners are still considering a temporary moratorium and new zoning rules for data centers after residents submitted a petition with more than 1,000 signatures. No moratorium, ordinance or interim zoning rule was approved, while a proposed 300-megawatt Clenera Tech Center Holdings project added to concerns about power, water and community impacts.
Klickitat County commissioners did not act Oct. 13 on a proposed data center moratorium, ordinance or interim zoning rule despite a packed public meeting and widespread calls for a temporary pause on applications. Resident Jenn Sharp presented a petition with 1,024 signatures, while other speakers raised concerns about energy infrastructure, tribal rights, emergency services and potential impacts on local communities.
The county is revising an ordinance that would allow data centers conditionally in general industrial and industrial park zones, with requirements including noise and visual studies and separate permits for diesel generators. Officials also discussed a six-month interim zoning rule, but both proposals were referred for further legal review. Separately, Klickitat Public Utility District requested transmission access from the Bonneville Power Administration for a 300-megawatt facility proposed by Clenera Tech Center Holdings, which would use the Energizer substation and diesel backup generators.