Lincoln County, Washington, Holds Hearing on Six-Month Data Center Moratorium
Lincoln County, Washington, has enacted a six-month emergency moratorium pausing permits for data centers and battery energy storage systems. At a public hearing, most speakers opposed data centers, citing scarce water supplies and potential impacts on residents and livestock, while some supported development for its potential tax revenue.
Lincoln County commissioners enacted a six-month emergency moratorium last month on permits for data centers and battery energy storage systems. At a required public hearing, about 30 residents addressed commissioners, with most opposing data center development and a smaller group supporting it as a potential source of tax revenue if projects can be built safely.
Water use was a central concern, as residents said water is scarce in much of the county and levels have been falling in wells, including those serving Davenport. Speakers also raised concerns about possible ground movement and effects on livestock. During the moratorium, the Lincoln County Planning Commission will meet monthly to develop a draft zoning ordinance before sending it to county commissioners for final approval; officials said no data center or battery storage applications had been filed when the moratorium began.