Washington localities weigh data center moratoriums over water, power

The Cle Elum City Council approved an emergency six‑month moratorium on new data‑center facilities after developer Blue Fern Development announced plans for a 20‑megawatt, 100,000‑square‑foot data center. Council members cited concerns about water use, mechanical noise, excess heat, power demand and emergency generators, and scheduled a public hearing for September 8. Puget Sound Energy, the local utility, said the project would not strain electricity supply and that the developer would fund required infrastructure improvements.

In Yakima County, commissioners are also debating a six‑month moratorium despite the county having no existing data centers. Residents and climate‑action groups, including 350 Yakima Climate Action, urged officials to study the potential impact on water resources—especially during a fourth‑year drought—and on utility capacity before any future projects are proposed. The proposed pause would give officials time to assess water rights, power availability and land‑use regulations.