City Of Ellensburg Enacts Six-Month Moratorium On New Data Centers
The Ellensburg City Council unanimously enacted an immediate six-month moratorium on new data center proposals within the city. The ban, effective through April 5, 2027, will give city officials time to review development, permitting, zoning and environmental procedures amid concerns about electricity, water, noise and other impacts.
The Ellensburg City Council unanimously approved an emergency six-month moratorium on new data center proposals within the city limits. The ban took effect immediately and will remain in place through April 5, 2027.
Community Development Director Dan Carlson told the council that the city’s existing building, development, permitting and zoning rules do not specifically define data centers. Officials cited the facilities’ potentially large footprints, electricity demand and possible effects on water supplies, noise and other nuisances. During the moratorium, the city plans to review its regulatory and environmental review processes and seek additional community input.
The action follows similar six-month moratoriums adopted by Cle Elum and Kittitas County. Cle Elum’s pause followed a proposal by Blue Fern Development for a $200 million, 100,000-square-foot data center, while residents and activists have also called for a statewide moratorium in Washington.