Spokane County residents mobilize as data centers eye region

Spokane County residents have mobilized in strong opposition to data center development, driven by concerns over transparency, environmental impact, and massive electricity consumption. This activism intensified following revelations that Commissioner Al French engaged in undisclosed discussions with data center developer Apricus Energy Partners about building a facility on the West Plains.

Community pressure had an immediate impact, with Avista Corp. discontinuing its conversations with the developer after public protests. The Spokane City Council also responded by approving a year-long moratorium on new data centers in late June. Facing significant public backlash, the Spokane County Commission, despite initial resistance from some members, enacted a four-month "pause" on data center approvals until December 15, allowing time to develop new zoning regulations.

The push for more rigorous oversight extends to the state level, where State Representative Beth Doglio introduced a bill to require data centers to fund their full energy costs, though it was unsuccessful. Locally, activists are demanding stronger, long-term zoning restrictions and exploring options for a ballot measure to allow voters to decide on data center development, viewing the current four-month pause as insufficient.

While some, like State Representative Suzanne Schmidt and union representatives, highlight potential economic benefits and job creation, opponents remain focused on the potential environmental, economic, and social costs. Despite the temporary moratorium, activists like Jeremiah Harding express skepticism, fearing the pause might be a temporary measure to quell opposition before data center projects inevitably move forward.