County extends pause on data centers
The Spokane Board of County Commissioners unanimously extended the pause on construction of new data centers until June 1, 2027. Residents and students rallied against data centers, arguing the county needs stricter regulations and a formal moratorium because of potential health, environmental and resource impacts.
The Spokane Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously to extend the county’s pause on new data center construction through June 1, 2027. County officials said the pause carries the same legal restrictions as a moratorium, although opponents argued that an official moratorium would provide more time to develop stronger regulations.
Residents, college students and members of the public rallied outside the meeting and urged commissioners to adopt stricter requirements. Speakers cited potential health effects, exploitation of natural resources and limited local economic benefits, while demonstrators used the sound of AI data centers to dramatize their concerns. The county’s planning director is scheduled to discuss potential zoning for a new data center at a future public meeting organized with the West Plains Water Coalition in Airway Heights.