Democrats on Spokane County Commission to pitch moratorium on data centers

Spokane County Commissioners Chris Jordan and Amber Waldref have introduced a proposal for a nine-month countywide moratorium on the construction of large-load data centers. This initiative comes amid extensive public concern regarding the heavy electricity and water demands of data centers, following the Spokane City Council's adoption of a similar moratorium in June and Avista's halt of discussions to provide power to a prospective data center. Commissioner Jordan noted an unprecedented volume of resident feedback, indicating widespread apprehension.

The proposed moratorium aims to provide the county with time to thoroughly investigate the potential impacts and benefits of data center development. Its duration is strategically aligned with the end of the 2027 Washington state legislative session, allowing the county to adapt to any new state-level regulations. Residents and commissioners alike have voiced concerns about energy affordability, noise, and the use of the aquifer, a vital natural resource. The proposal is scheduled for discussion by the full county board, with a vote expected in the near future, indicating the commission's intent to pause development before new permit applications are processed.