Federal Way City Council adopts 12‑month data‑center moratorium

The Federal Way City Council voted unanimously to place a 12‑month emergency moratorium on new data‑center projects. Council President Susan Honda introduced the motion, and the ordinance takes effect immediately, applying to facilities exceeding 1 MW or 4,000 sq ft.

Officials cited the rapid growth of data‑center demand driven by generative AI, noting that about 3,000 centers operate in the United States and that the number could double by 2030. They warned of potential public‑health and environmental impacts such as high power and water use, noise, heat, and emissions from fossil‑fuel generators. Residents had expressed concern that a planned warehouse on the former Wild Waves site might become a data center; council members confirmed no applications have been received. The council said the moratorium gives staff and officials a year to study the issue and consider code updates. "I think there’s a lot of discussions … we’re really supportive of this move," councilmember Martin Moore said.