Seattle passes moratorium on new data centers amid national backlash
Seattle City Council unanimously enacted a one-year moratorium on new large data centers, driven by public backlash and concerns over electricity and water usage. The city will also conduct a study to analyze the impacts of data centers on local infrastructure and the economy.
The Seattle City Council has unanimously approved a one-year moratorium on the development of new large data centers. This decision follows significant public opposition and concerns that arose after four unnamed companies proposed building five large data centers within the city, which collectively would consume approximately one-third of Seattle's average electricity load.
Mayor Jenny Wilson promptly expressed her support for the ban, in response to tens of thousands of messages from residents protesting the data center proposals. The enacted bill specifically freezes the development of data centers requiring more than 20 megavolt-amperes of electricity, with a provision to extend the moratorium for an additional six months. Some developers initially involved have already withdrawn their proposals in the wake of the controversy.
In conjunction with the moratorium, the City Council also passed a separate bill to commission a comprehensive analysis of the potential impacts of data centers on Seattle’s electrical grid, water system, utility rates, land use, local job market, and public health. Seattle's action aligns with similar measures taken by over 70 other cities and counties nationwide, including major metropolitan areas like Denver, New Orleans, and Minneapolis.