Amazon data center project sparks protests in Walla Walla

Protesters in Walla Walla, Washington, have demonstrated to demand a statewide moratorium on data centers. The movement follows the announcement of a planned $4.8 billion Amazon data center project in the region, which would consist of 16 buildings.

Members of the Walla Walla Anti-Data Center League expressed concerns regarding transparency and the potential for groundwater contamination. Protesters cited a previous incident in Morrow and Umatilla County, Oregon, where Amazon agreed to a $20 million settlement following allegations that its data centers contaminated groundwater with nitrate.

Local community development director Melissa Shumake holds the authority to require Amazon to submit an environmental impact statement for the proposed construction. Washington currently ranks 10th in the United States for the number of operational data centers.