Snohomish County Council approves emergency data center moratorium

The Snohomish County Council has unanimously enacted an emergency moratorium on new data center development within unincorporated areas of the county. The temporary zoning ordinance will halt new projects for six months, with the possibility of renewal, to allow the council to formulate a permanent policy. Council member Nate Nehring stated the policy will integrate community input, thorough research, and best practices from other jurisdictions facing similar issues.

Concerns among Snohomish County residents revolve around the significant environmental impacts, including high electricity and water consumption, particularly as artificial intelligence demand grows. The Snohomish Public Utility District is already strategizing to manage a potential surge in large-load customers, defining those requesting over 2.5 megawatts as 'large load,' while hyperscale data centers often require hundreds of megawatts. Residents like Edmonds' Joan Smith highlighted concerns about water resources, especially given reduced snowpack, and the potential negative impact of data centers on local water supplies.

While the Laborers' International Union of North America, represented by Charles Burgess, did not support the moratorium, they expressed support for the council's broader discussion on data centers, emphasizing the need for safe construction, adherence to apprenticeship and labor standards, and the use of modern technologies to address community concerns. Council member Strom Peterson noted the absence of currently planned data centers provides an opportunity to create a beneficial framework that addresses both labor and environmental considerations. A public hearing is required within 60 days of the moratorium's approval.