Public pressure helps persuade county leaders to pause data center permitting
Spokane County commissioners have unanimously approved a temporary halt on building permits for large data centers until December 15th. This decision was driven by significant public pressure and concerns over data center impacts on energy and water resources. The county's planning commission has been directed to develop permanent zoning regulations during this pause.
The Spokane County Commission has voted unanimously to enact a temporary pause on building permits for "large load data centers" until December 15, 2024. This action was a direct response to intense public pressure and constituent concerns regarding the potential impacts of data center developments on local resources.
Commission Chair Mary Brooks highlighted that the pause allows time for the county to develop and implement comprehensive zoning laws specifically tailored to data centers. This decision represents a compromise, following earlier proposals for a longer moratorium and for immediate temporary zoning rules. The board decided to adopt a pause while using earlier draft proposals as a basis for the new, permanent policies. Spokane County Planning Director Scott Chesney indicated that existing data centers would not be affected, and new regulations would likely target projects requiring more than 20 megawatts of power, focusing on land use and potentially requiring heavy industrial zoning.
Public engagement has been robust, with residents raising concerns about strain on utilities, water usage, and the financial burden on energy consumers. Revelations about Commissioner Al French's discussions with Apricus Energy Solutions regarding a major data center project further fueled public scrutiny. Residents like Brittany Anderson expressed hope that the four-month pause would be used effectively to draft legislation that protects the region's energy, water, and residents.