Seattle council vote today could put a one-year pause on new data centers
Seattle City Council is set to vote June 9 on CB 121214, a proposed one-year pause on new and expanded large-scale data centers while the city studies impacts.
Seattle City Council is set to vote Monday, June 9, on CB 121214, a proposal that would place a 365-day moratorium on new and expanded large-scale data centers in Seattle. The bill cleared the Land Use and Sustainability Committee on June 3 and would pause permit applications citywide while the city studies what these projects could mean for power demand, water use, zoning, jobs, utility rates and public health.
The measure is aimed at large-scale data centers, not all digital infrastructure. City leaders say the temporary freeze is meant to give staff time to sort out how the city should handle future projects before deciding on longer-term rules.
Why Seattle is considering the pause
In its April 30 announcement, the council said the moratorium would let Seattle examine possible effects on infrastructure, land use, climate goals and neighborhood conditions. Mayor Bruce Harrell’s office later said Seattle City Light is working on a large-load policy and that the utility and Seattle Public Utilities are looking at rate structures and related actions tied to data-center growth.
Local reporting from KUOW and GeekWire said the proposal has drawn public concern about electricity demand, cooling needs, water use and whether large data centers could add pressure to rates and planning. Those worries are part of the reason supporters want a study period before the city approves more projects.
What happens next
If the full council adopts the measure, Seattle would start the one-year pause and move into the study process laid out in the ordinance. For developers and property owners, the vote could determine whether new projects move ahead this year or wait for a future permitting framework.
