Seattle's Mayor Wants a Moratorium (Ban) on New Data Centers Inside City Limits

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson is advocating for a moratorium on new data center development within the city. Citing concerns about environmental justice, economic resilience, and potential increases in energy costs for Seattle residents, Mayor Wilson has called for a report that would include such a ban. The proposal follows reports that Seattle Power and Light received inquiries from four companies interested in constructing five large data centers. These facilities would collectively require substantial energy, estimated to power a third of Seattle during peak consumption. While one company has withdrawn its interest, Prologis, Equinix, and Sabey are reportedly still considering formal applications to build projects in the city. Mayor Wilson's stance is supported by some environmental groups, who share fears about the impact on consumer energy costs. However, critics argue that the Mayor overlooks the fact that infrastructure needs would be addressed before any such centers are built and that the city's current energy cost challenges are more attributable to existing regulations and policies, such as the forced electrification of new homes and buildings.