Spokane, WASH. — Tomorrow, the Spokane County Board of Commissioners will consider a moratorium on large load data centers.
Commissioners Jordan and Waldref are proposing the temporary ban to last for nine months to allow time for the county to “engage in a coordinated planning process, evaluate the potential impacts of such facilities, and develop responsible local regulations.” They add those regulations could address appropriate zoning for these facilities, and address water and power issues.
County staff note in the agenda that Kootenai County imposed a similar moratorium for six months last year to define local rules prohibiting data centers above the aquifer.
On June 23rd, the Spokane City Council imposed a one-year citywide moratorium on new data centers exceeding 25 megawatts.
In the agenda packet for tomorrow, county staff wrote:
Several local governments and other entities have taken actions to address emerging public concerns regarding thedevelopment of large load data centers. On June 12, 2026, Avista announced a “pause” on processing energy requests fornew large load data centers, and called for a “clear and coordinated planning process” with governmental agencies. Thisannouncement came in the wake of public concerns regarding a potential plan to locate a 500 megawatt data center withinSpokane County. Public reporting indicated the power demand for such a project would equal roughly half the currentpower demand within Spokane County.
“Many of my constituents are worried about who will pay for the needed utility infrastructure and power generation to serve these facilities. Working families should not foot the bill,” said Commissioner Chris Jordan in a press release.
“The size and potential impacts of these developments could be historic. Many residents are rightly concerned about use of our water from our aquifer, one of our most vital resources, energy affordability, noise and other issues,” Commissioner Amber Waldref wrote in a statement. “Our region deserves thoughtful deliberation for projects of this scale.”
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