Anti-data center group forms to oppose Amazon development in Walla Walla County
Residents in Walla Walla County, Washington, have formed the "Walla Walla Anti-Data Center League" to oppose Amazon's proposed data center development on 554 acres purchased from the Port of Walla Walla. The group is urging the county's Board of Commissioners to enact a moratorium on data centers, citing concerns about transparency, environmental impact, water, and electricity usage. Commissioners acknowledge the community's concerns but are unsure if a moratorium would apply to Amazon's project given its pre-application status.
Residents of Walla Walla County, Washington, have organized the "Walla Walla Anti-Data Center League" to actively oppose a large-scale data center project proposed by Amazon Data Services. The group formed following the sale of 554 acres by the Port of Walla Walla to Amazon and aims to halt the development, at least temporarily, to gain a clearer understanding of its potential environmental and social impacts.
Key members of the league, including College Place resident Rikki Wescott, Seattle-based activist Adrian Reyna, and organizers Ben Mattice and Lauren Redfield, are conducting outreach and hosting town halls to inform the community. They are urging the Walla Walla County Board of Commissioners to pass a moratorium on data centers, emphasizing the need for transparency from Amazon regarding its plans, particularly concerning water and electricity consumption. Data from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory highlights the significant increase in data center energy and water use nationwide, fueling local concerns.
Commissioner Bertha Clayton acknowledged the public's valid concerns about the project's footprint and the lack of information, especially regarding water usage, electricity rates, and grid stress. However, she noted that the Board has not yet discussed a moratorium and it is unclear if one would apply to Amazon's project if a permit application has already been filed. The Community Development Department is providing information, but many specifics await Amazon's complete application.
The Walla Walla league is drawing inspiration from other communities that have successfully blocked or delayed data center developments, including Seattle, which recently enacted a one-year moratorium. While emphasizing they are not anti-tech, league members like Wescott stress the importance of sustainable development that does not harm the region's delicate ecology.