County commissioners impose six-month data center moratorium

Yakima County commissioners approved a six-month moratorium on data center development, effective August 11, after county residents expressed significant opposition. The moratorium was enacted because Yakima County currently lacks specific regulations for data centers in its existing codes, preventing the acceptance of land-use or building permits for such facilities in unincorporated areas.

Thomas Carrol, Yakima County Planning Manager, emphasized that the moratorium is not intended to predetermine approval or denial of land use, but rather to allow time for the county to either establish specific regulations for data centers or to prohibit their construction entirely. Commissioner Amanda McKinney highlighted concerns about the industrialization of agricultural land, noting that most unincorporated county land is zoned for agriculture, while data centers are industrial facilities. She also pointed out that state law allows agricultural land for wind and solar farms and that water regulation falls under the state Department of Ecology.

Community members voiced strong opposition during a July 30 work session and the August 11 commissioners' meeting, primarily citing concerns about water availability, potential increases in electricity costs, noise pollution, and the impact on agricultural land and property values. Resident Andrew Heber advocated for the moratorium to remain until potential negative effects are thoroughly assessed, stating that while AI data centers might bring jobs and tax revenue, these benefits may not justify the long-term consequences to the community.