Washington Democrats pass resolution opposing new data centers at state convention
Washington Democrats at their state convention in Spokane passed a resolution opposing the construction of new data centers across the state. This action follows Seattle and Spokane enacting one-year moratoriums, driven by concerns over increased energy bills, strained power grids, and water usage. Some delegates view the resolution as a virtue signal that could harm innovation.
Washington Democrats convened their annual state convention in Spokane, where they passed a resolution "opposing the construction of new data centers" by a vote of 578 to 178. This statewide political action aligns with recent one-year moratoriums on new data center development enacted by Seattle and Spokane, the state's two largest cities.
Supporters of the resolution expressed concerns that data centers built by "the largest corporations in human history" are "drawing down our water, straining our power grid and raising energy bills of working families." One speaker warned of the potential for a surveillance state and a lack of human accountability. However, a dissenting speaker argued the resolution was merely a "virtue signal" that would not halt AI use but simply shift data center construction "across state lines."
Todd Myers of the Washington Policy Center was cited, pointing out that data centers are not solely responsible for rising power bills, as electricity use in the state has declined over the past decade despite rate increases.