Seattle officials propose year-long ban on data centers

Seattle city officials, including three councilmembers, have announced plans to introduce a 365-day moratorium on new data center locations. This proposal comes in response to significant public concern, with over 54,000 messages received from residents expressing alarm over the potential impact on utility rates, water usage, noise, and public health. The push for a ban follows reports that several developers were planning large data centers that could have doubled the city's existing inventory and significantly increased power demand. Amid the backlash, two developers have already canceled their projects; Sabey, a Tukwila-based developer, withdrew its request for 68 megawatts of power, and another unidentified company also canceled its plans. Currently, only Equinix and Prologis still have active proposals for three large centers. If approved, the moratorium could be extended for another six months. During this period, the city plans to study long-term policies, including potential new electricity rates for 2027 and 2028 that would create a separate, higher utility rate specifically for large-load customers like data centers. Mayor Katie Wilson has confirmed her team is collaborating with the council on a balanced approach, while Seattle City Light notes that the remaining companies have not yet officially begun the multi-year approval process.