Seattle mayor responds to growing concerns surrounding data center proposals

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson addressed growing public concerns surrounding reports that several companies are looking to build massive data centers in the city. The mayor's statement on Facebook clarified that the City of Seattle has not authorized or permitted any new data centers, but acknowledged the "intense public alarm" regarding potential impacts. Reports from the Seattle Times indicate that four unnamed companies approached Seattle City Light to build five large-scale data centers, which would collectively require approximately one-third of the city's average daily electricity usage. This news prompted Evan Sutton, a core committee member of The Troublemakers, to create a viral social media video highlighting fears of skyrocketing electricity rates for residents and the unreliability of hydropower, especially during the state's fourth consecutive year of drought emergency. The Troublemakers, along with groups like 350 Seattle, initiated a campaign pressuring the Seattle City Council to impose a moratorium on data center construction. Sutton reported that more than 54,000 letters have been sent to the City Council and Mayor's Office. Mayor Wilson confirmed that her team is collaborating with Seattle City Light, City Council, and other stakeholders to explore various policy approaches, including the possibility of a moratorium on new data center development. Councilmembers Alexis Mercedes Rinck and Eddie Lin are also reportedly investigating options for a city moratorium.