Spokane-area data center proposals, explained
Spokane County is embroiled in a significant debate over multiple proposed large-scale data center developments, leading to temporary moratoriums by both the City of Spokane and Spokane County to allow for the drafting of new zoning regulations. Activists are actively opposing these projects due to concerns over immense energy and water consumption, noise, and potential environmental impacts on local aquifers. Local politicians are navigating the contentious issue, with varying stances on economic development versus community and environmental protection.
The Spokane area is grappling with a contentious debate surrounding several large-scale data center proposals, which has become a major local issue. Both the City of Spokane and Spokane County have implemented temporary pauses on new data center approvals—a one-year moratorium for the city and a four-month pause for the county—to allow officials to develop responsible zoning regulations.
Key proposals include a massive 514-acre 'Big Rock Data Center' by Apricus Energy Partners, projected to draw up to 1,000 megawatts and potentially impact a critical aquifer recharge area. Avista Corp., the largest energy provider, paused negotiations with an unnamed developer for a 500-megawatt facility after public outcry and protests. Less defined proposals involve a data center for the Spokane Aerospace Tech Hub and potential tribal data centers by Sovereign Data Centers, reportedly partnering with the Spokane Tribe of Indians.
Local activists are vocal in their opposition, citing concerns about the immense electricity and water demands, noise pollution, heat island effects, and the potential for harmful chemicals to contaminate local aquifers, particularly in the West Plains which has existing contamination issues. The political landscape is heavily influenced by the debate, with county commissioners Al French, Josh Kerns, Mary Brooks, Amber Waldref, and Chris Jordan, along with Spokane City Council members, facing public pressure and internal divisions over supporting economic development versus environmental and community safeguards. Representative Timm Ormsby's earlier legislative proposal for property tax exemptions for data centers in Spokane County initially fueled interest from developers.
Spokane County planning officials are actively drafting new zoning regulations in response to community feedback, with proposals including requirements for environmental impact statements, noise limits, and water recycling. The county's pause on approvals is contingent on these new regulations, with Commissioner Kerns indicating he would vote to extend the pause if not satisfied by December 15. The issue is also a factor in upcoming local elections, with candidates staking out positions on data center development.