Public largely calls for full ban of data centers at county hearing
During a Snohomish County Council public hearing, most speakers advocated for a permanent ban on large data centers in unincorporated areas. The public's testimony largely opposed data center development, citing environmental and power grid concerns. The county's current six-month moratorium, initiated by Councilman Nate Nehring, is set to expire on December 24, with staff developing new regulations.
The Snohomish County Council recently held a public hearing regarding the county's temporary freeze on large data centers, where the majority of speakers called for an outright ban. Data centers, essential for internet infrastructure and AI processing, have raised concerns among residents.
In late June, the council, led by Councilman Nate Nehring, enacted a six-month moratorium on data centers in unincorporated county areas to establish regulatory "guardrails." This moratorium is set to expire on December 24, and Nehring anticipates that extending it will be necessary due to the time required for the rulemaking process.
Public sentiment overwhelmingly opposed data center development, with residents like Julie Winchell and Betsy Case urging the council not to sacrifice the region's farms, forests, and quiet homes for corporate profit. Speakers highlighted potential environmental impacts and strain on the power grid. Melissa Brinks of Marysville argued against selling out the region's future for corporations that may not reinvest in local communities.
Conversely, Evan Mathiasen from the unincorporated county suggested that reasonable data center development could broaden the county's tax base. He advocated for establishing strong standards and requiring companies to contribute to communities rather than implementing a full ban. County staff are currently developing regulations to address these issues. No data center proposals were submitted before the emergency moratorium was put in place, which specifically applies only to unincorporated county areas.