Thurston County looks to ban AI data centers for a year. Are any planned here?

Thurston County's Board of County Commissioners unanimously moved to propose a one-year moratorium on new data center permits. Commissioner Emily Clouse introduced the motion, aiming to provide the county with time to evaluate the impact of data centers on infrastructure, water, and energy capacity, and to update county code, zoning restrictions, or other regulations as needed.

While there are no current data center applications in Thurston County, Community Planning and Economic Development Director Ashley Arai stated that staff are already reviewing potential planning regulation updates. The county's Planning Commission, a volunteer advisory group, is scheduled to receive a presentation on this topic in September. Commissioners Carolina Mejia and Board Chair Tye Menser supported the amended motion, with Mejia emphasizing stakeholder engagement and Menser indicating intent to consult with Snohomish County, which recently enacted its own six-month moratorium.

This action follows similar moratoriums in other jurisdictions, including a one-year ban in Seattle and a six-month hold in Snohomish County. The commissioners are addressing concerns about the substantial electricity and water requirements of AI data centers, and the potential for a permanent ban or protections after the one-year period.