Seattle City Council passes emergency data center moratorium

The Seattle City Council unanimously adopted two pieces of legislation preventing the siting of large data centers in Seattle. The measures respond to public outcry over environmental, infrastructure and economic impacts. Amended Council Bill 121214, sponsored by Councilmember Eddie Lin of District 2 and Council President Joy Hollingsworth of District 3, places a temporary freeze on new data center siting while the city conducts impact studies. Data centers are defined as facilities primarily for storing and processing digital data with power capacity over 20 Megavolt-Amperes and requiring uninterruptible power. The moratorium could be extended for an additional six months if necessary. Councilmember Lin said large AI data centers drive up utility costs for residents and small businesses while creating air, water and noise pollution. He added that the city can support smaller essential facilities while developing safeguards around larger ones. Amended Resolution 32204, sponsored by Councilmember Debora Juarez of District 5, establishes a policy framework for handling data center proposals. It directs departments to analyze impacts on the electrical grid, water usage, utility rates, land use, local jobs and public health. Councilmember Juarez said the decision pauses to hold accountable those developing data centers while considering impacts on people and land. Council President Hollingsworth said the pause allows understanding of impacts before permanent decisions. The actions follow reports that four companies approached Seattle City Light to build five large-scale data centers with combined maximum demand of 369 megawatts, enough to power approximately 300,000 homes. Mayor Katie B. Wilson said she is grateful for the council's work and looks forward to signing the legislation. The ordinance takes effect immediately due to its emergency designation. A public hearing is required within 60 days.