Democrat April Berg warns against data center bans

Democrat April Berg warns against data center bans

News ClipState Affairs·WA·7/29/2026

Washington State Representative April Berg has voiced opposition to data center moratoriums. She argues that such bans would cause developers to seek out states with fewer regulations, potentially hindering economic growth in Washington.

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Gov: Washington State Legislature

Washington State Representative April Berg, a Democrat, has issued a caution against the implementation of data center moratoriums, expressing concerns about their potential impact on the state's economic landscape. According to Berg, instituting bans on data center development in Washington would likely compel developers to shift their projects to other states that maintain more lenient regulatory environments.

Her warning highlights a common argument used in policy debates surrounding data center expansion, where proponents of development often emphasize the risk of capital flight and job loss if local regulations become too restrictive. The stance by Rep. Berg underscores ongoing discussions within state governments regarding balancing environmental and resource concerns with economic development opportunities presented by the technology sector.