Bill on data center restrictions falls short

A proposal to impose new regulations on large energy-using data centers in Washington failed to advance in the state legislature. The bill would have required utilities to recover the full cost of serving data centers, including infrastructure and climate compliance costs, and would have set clean energy standards for new or expanding facilities. Supporters argued the measures were necessary to protect the power grid and environment, while opponents warned they could threaten critical digital infrastructure during emergencies. The bill's sponsor, Rep. Beth Doglio, said she plans to continue working on the legislation next year.