Where the candidates in WA’s 4th District stand on immigration, trade, data centers
Candidates for Washington's 4th Congressional District, Amanda McKinney and John Duresky, both advocate for increased local input and control over data center construction within the district. The region is a hub for data centers due to cheap hydroelectricity, but their presence has raised concerns among residents. The candidates emphasize the importance of local communities deciding on land use and permitting for such facilities.
The article focuses on the stances of John Duresky, a Democrat, and Amanda McKinney, a Republican and Yakima County Commissioner, who are vying to replace U.S. Rep. Dan Newhouse in Washington's 4th Congressional District. One of the key issues discussed by the candidates is data center development in the region, which is a hub for such facilities in cities like Quincy, Wenatchee, and the Tri-Cities, largely due to cheap hydroelectricity.
Despite the economic draw, data centers have generated public concern across the political spectrum. Both Duresky and McKinney advocate for greater local input and control over data center construction. Duresky highlights a coalition of trade unions, environmentalists, and concerned citizens, all of whom have an interest in the impacts of AI and data center development. McKinney emphasizes that data centers should be treated like any other facility, subject to local rules and permits, allowing local communities to decide on their visual and land-use impacts.