KREM 2 News at Noon Headlines: Tuesday, August 18, 2026
Spokane County Commissioners are set to vote on a proposed six-month moratorium that would pause new data center projects, including land use and permit applications. This pause aims to allow time to assess a zoning ordinance for regulating data center development and operation. The decision follows concerns from community groups like the West Plains Water Coalition regarding water use and environmental impacts.
Spokane County Commissioners are scheduled to vote today on a proposed six-month moratorium concerning new data center projects within the county. This moratorium, if approved, would temporarily halt new land use and permit applications for data centers, providing the commissioners with time to assess and develop a comprehensive zoning ordinance.
The proposed ordinance aims to regulate the development and operation of data center facilities across Spokane County, addressing various considerations such as power and utility requirements, water preservation practices, sound requirements, pollution control processes, and fire risk mitigation. The county currently hosts eight data centers, and officials are seeking to establish best practices for future developments.
Community concerns, particularly from groups like the West Plains Water Coalition, have played a role in prompting this action. The coalition has voiced significant concerns regarding the extensive water usage by data centers from the aquifer and the broader implications for access to clean water. The city of Spokane previously voted on its own data center moratorium, preceding the county's current consideration.
The meeting for the vote is anticipated to take place at the commissioners' regularly scheduled session, starting at 2 p.m. local time.