Protests across Washington state call for pause on AI data center boom
Protesters in Seattle and at least 18 other Washington locations called for a statewide moratorium on new AI data centers, citing concerns about electricity and water consumption, pollution and privacy. The demonstrations followed the failure of a proposed state data center regulation bill and came as several local governments, including Seattle, adopted temporary prohibitions on large data centers.
At least 19 demonstrations organized by Washington AI Resistance took place across Washington, including a gathering in Seattle, to pressure lawmakers to pause new AI data center development. Protesters led by organizers including spokesperson Evan Sutton cited electricity and water demand, potential pollution, climate impacts and surveillance concerns. The group wants a statewide moratorium before the Legislature’s January session.
A data center regulation bill sponsored in part by state Rep. Gerry Pollet passed the House but stalled in the Senate after lobbying opposition from Microsoft, Amazon and other companies. Seattle City Council members unanimously approved a one-year moratorium on large data centers in June, while Skagit and Snohomish counties and several cities adopted similar temporary bans. Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen said lawmakers may pursue significant regulatory requirements for new AI data centers, but has not committed to a statewide moratorium.