Spokane city council wants to pause data center project
Spokane City Council members are proposing a year-long moratorium on new data center building permits, citing financial and environmental concerns, particularly regarding electricity consumption. The move comes amid significant community opposition and a declared emergency for a swift vote.
The announcement of a proposed new data center in eastern Washington has sparked financial and environmental concerns in Spokane, particularly regarding its potential electricity usage, which could rival half of Avista's current service area. In response, three Spokane City Council members are advocating for a year-long moratorium on new data center building permit applications.
Council members Sarah Dixit and Kate Telus, along with Dylan, are pushing the moratorium, stating that the city lacks sufficient information on the data center's potential community impact. The council has received over a thousand emails expressing displeasure about the project. Due to this significant feedback, the city council has declared an emergency to expedite a vote on the moratorium. Seattle previously passed a similar moratorium.