Rural Klickitat County faces surge in data center proposals
At least six hyperscale data centers are being proposed in rural Klickitat County, with developers seeking access to as much as 5,655.5 megawatts of electricity. Residents are petitioning for a moratorium, while county officials consider a permanent ordinance that would regulate siting and require a one-mile setback from homes.
At least six hyperscale data center proposals are advancing at varying stages in Klickitat County, Washington, although no site permits have been filed and construction has not begun. Developers have requested up to 5,655.5 megawatts from the Bonneville Power Administration and Klickitat Public Utility District. One 160-megawatt request for a Blue Owl Capital project at the former aluminum smelter site near Goldendale has reached a formal Bonneville agreement.
Residents are urging county commissioners to pause development. A petition started by White Salmon resident Jenn Sharp had nearly 800 signatures by Oct. 6, and Commissioner Todd Andrews previously proposed a six-month moratorium, but the motion died without a second. Commissioners Lori Zoller and Ron Ihrig instead support completing a permanent data center ordinance, whose draft would regulate industrial-scale facilities and impose a one-mile residential setback while continuing to allow development.
Other proposals involve sites in Dallesport and applications associated with Shell Energy and its subsidiary Savion. County officials say existing rules limit their ability to reject qualifying projects, while supporters argue data centers could generate tax revenue and temporary construction employment. Utility commissioners have also faced criticism over non-disclosure agreements with developers and have recommended ending new agreements while honoring existing ones.