A company proposing a massive Spokane area data center has nearly zero history, spurring outcry from concerned residents
Apricus Energy Partners is proposing a large data center and hydrogen facility in Spokane County, Washington, despite having little operational history. Residents expressed strong opposition at a planning commission meeting, citing concerns about water, electricity, and environmental impact, and advocating for a moratorium. County commissioners are divided on the moratorium, and a vote has been postponed.
Apricus Energy Partners, a company with a questionable track record and minimal staff, has proposed a large data center and hydrogen production facility on 514 acres in the West Plains area of Spokane County, Washington. The company's founder, Sean P. Boyd, claims the data center is ancillary to his goal of hydrogen fuel production, despite the company's lack of prior projects and a listed P.O. Box address in Spokane.
The proposal, which could require up to 1,000 megawatts of power, faces strong opposition from local residents, including Shawna Robinson of Airway Heights and Adrianne Nott of Spokane Valley. They voiced concerns at a Spokane County Planning Commission meeting about potential impacts on water supply, property values, noise, air pollution (exacerbating existing PFAS contamination), and strain on infrastructure.
At the meeting, Logan Camporeale moved for the planning commission to recommend a moratorium on data centers to the Spokane County Commission until updated regulations are in place. However, Spokane County commissioners are divided on the issue, with three Republicans opposing a moratorium and two Democrats in favor. Commission Chair Mary Brooks postponed a vote on the matter, expressing concern that a moratorium would signal the county is "closed for business."
Spokane County Planning Director Scott Chesney acknowledged the lack of specific data center regulations and stated the county plans to develop zoning codes and guidelines by year-end. An Avista Utilities engineering study revealed that delivering the proposed 1,000 megawatts by 2033 would cost approximately $184 million in infrastructure upgrades and still fall short of the full demand. Apricus's prior proposals in California and to the Kalispel Tribe also failed to materialize.