Skagit County passes data center moratorium
Skagit County's board of commissioners has enacted a six-month data center moratorium, citing concerns over electricity, water, and land consumption. This preemptive measure aims to provide time to develop regulations for future data center projects. The ordinance bars permits for data centers larger than 2,000 square feet or requiring more than 2 megawatts of electricity.
The Skagit County Board of Commissioners unanimously voted to enact a six-month moratorium on data center development, effective immediately. This measure prohibits permits for new data centers exceeding 2,000 square feet or requiring more than 2 megawatts of electricity.
Commissioner Joe Burns and Chief Civil Attorney Will Honea emphasized that the moratorium is a preemptive step, not a reaction to any specific proposed project, aimed at protecting the county's natural resources, particularly water, and its agricultural economy. Officials cited growing concerns nationwide regarding data centers' high consumption of electricity, water, and land, with Burns specifically mentioning the challenges farmers face in securing sufficient water.
The board intends to use the six-month period to develop comprehensive regulations for data centers. Mikala Staples Hughes, board president of the Western Washington Agricultural Association, supported the move, highlighting Skagit County's unique position as the last functioning agricultural economy in the Puget Sound region. Seattle is also reportedly considering a similar moratorium.