Data centers: A bipartisan Issue leading into the midterm election
Opposition to AI data centers has become a bipartisan campaign issue in Washington, including resistance to Avista's proposed facility in Airway Heights. Candidates have raised concerns about water use, pollution, noise, electricity costs and the need for environmental studies, while one candidate supports a one-year data center moratorium.
Opposition to AI data centers is emerging as a bipartisan issue in Washington ahead of the midterm elections. Avista's proposed facility in Airway Heights has faced community pushback, and the city is evaluating a proposal to purchase water for the project. Critics, including Washington House candidate Julia Payne, cited potential water, air and noise pollution and argued that development is proceeding too quickly.
House candidate Michaela Kelso supports a one-year moratorium and baseline environmental studies before construction. In a debate, Republican congressional incumbent Michael Baumgartner and Democratic challenger Carmela Conroy both said data centers should not increase community electricity or water costs; Baumgartner has introduced the Power and Water for Families Act addressing those concerns.