Incentives, jobs and residents' concerns: Amazon open house stirs more dialogue
Amazon Web Services hosted an open house in Burbank, Walla Walla County, to discuss its proposed data center, drawing over 300 attendees. Residents voiced concerns about water usage and electricity, while the Walla Walla Anti-Data Center League protested and called for a statewide moratorium. Amazon representatives addressed environmental compliance but remained vague on specific project details due to an incomplete application.
Amazon Web Services (AWS) hosted an open house at Columbia High School in Burbank, Walla Walla County, Washington, to discuss its proposed data center at Wallula Gap Business Park. The event, attended by over 300 residents and representatives from the Walla Walla Anti-Data Center League, aimed to foster "community conversations" but left many attendees with lingering concerns.
Residents primarily questioned the data center's potential impact on local water resources and electricity bills. Outside the venue, the Walla Walla Anti-Data Center League protested, advocating for a statewide moratorium on data center development in Walla Walla County and carrying signs highlighting water scarcity and community protection.
Roger Wehner, Vice President of Economic Development for AWS, stated that Amazon's data center operations adhere to Washington's "strict" environmental requirements. However, Amazon representatives at the event declined to provide specific details on project energy use or potential government incentives, explaining that the application process is ongoing and still subject to "a lot of discussion."