Public involvement is shaping the conversation around data center development in Spokane. Large-load data centers impact water resources and air quality, generate heat and noise pollution, and have potential health impacts for those who live nearby. This has proven to be a bipartisan issue as citizens across the political spectrum have voiced their concerns over how data centers are impacting their communities. As the conversation continues, we have an opportunity to put policies in place that protect the health of this region’s lands, waters, and people.
Want to get involved?
Keep an eye on this webpage for up resources and upcoming meetings, share your thoughts at public meetings, and join our mailing list for updates.
Updates and how to get involved
Attend an upcoming meeting and join the conversation:
The People's Public Forum on Data Centers
When: Thursday, September 10, 6 PM - 8 PM
Where: Airway Heights Hilton, 9015 W Hwy 2
What: Come to hear updates on data center plans across Spokane County, share what you’re learning and what concerns you, meet other concerned people, and learn how we can work together to make sure our voices count.
Organized by the Spokane Environmental Policy Coalition and the West Plains Water Coalition, with 350 Spokane, Spokane Riverkeeper, Asians for Collective Liberation in Spokane, and The Lands Council.
RSVP here
Learn more
County Commissioners’ Public Hearing concerning the pause in Data Center land use and permit applications
When: Tuesday, September 15, 2 PM
Where: Commissioners’ Hearing Room,1026 West Broadway Ave. Lower Level, Spokane
Webinar Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85674845677
What: County Commissioners’ Public Hearing concerning the pause in Data Center land use and permit applications in the County Commissioners’ Hearing Room. Written testimony should be mailed to: Spokane County Commissioners, 1116 W. Broadway Avenue, Spokane, WA 99260. Those testifying will be allowed three minutes and be limited to addressing the pause in Data Center land use and permit applications.
Agendas and more info here
Planning Commission Work Session on Data Center Zoning Code
When: Thursday, September 17, 9 AM
Where: Commissioners’ Hearing Room, 1026 West Broadway Ave. Lower Level, Spokane
What: Planning commission work session on data center zoning codes.
Agendas and more info here
Planning Commission Public Hearing on Proposed Data Center Zoning Code
When: Thursday, October 15, 4:30 PM
Where: Commissioners’ Hearing Room, 1026 West Broadway Ave. Lower Level, Spokane
What: Planning commission public hearing on proposed data center zoning codes.
RESOURCES
What questions should we be asking about data center development in Spokane County?
Here are just a few:
How would a large-load data center affect our aquifer and river?
How have data centers have violated community benefit agreements or regulations in other communities?
How would a data center company be held accountable if they violate regulations?
What chemicals and materials would be used in a data center and what health and environmental risks do they pose?
How can the community be protected from utility rate increases?
The links below offer a starting place for learning more about the potential impacts of data centers.
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Nospokanedatacenter.com - website about data centers in Spokane
Data Centers and the Climate Landscape: An Actionable Resource for US Mayors
Written testimony on data centers submitted to Congress.
Data Center information from Avista
The Data Center Next Door with Dr. Jacoby Wilson - TED Talk podcast episode
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How Much Water Do Data Centers Use? And Why Does It Matter? from Pacific Institute
Data Centers and Rivers: Protecting Public Health - A guide for local governments and river advocates (Americanrivers.org)
Report on Columbia River data centers
Data Centers and Water Consumption from Environmental and Energy Study Institute
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Flyer on PFAS exposure from data centers
News article: Groups sue Trump’s EPA over fast-track approval of toxic datacenter chemicals
Data Centers Are Contributing to PFAS Forever Chemical Pollution from Environment and Energy Study Institute
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Communities Are Raising Noise Pollution Concerns About Data Centers from Environment and Energy Study Institute
Data Centers Are Hotbeds of Health Risks from Environment and Energy Study Institute
the lands council’s work
The Lands Council has been closely following the conversation about data center development in Spokane, with a focus on the potential environmental impacts. Along with other members of the Spokane Environmental Policy Coalition, we are working to advocate for policies that will protect the water, air, and lands in Spokane County, as well as ensure that the public has a say in how data center development is handled.
“The Spokane Environmental Policy Coalition exists to help local environmental organizations learn from one another, coordinate efforts, and achieve more together than we could alone.” Members include The Lands Council, Spokane Riverkeeper, 350 Spokane, Measure Meant, Spokane Urban Nature, Asians for Collective Liberation Spokane, Spokane Zero Waste, Community Building, and Rogue Heart Media. This group is in close communication about the data center issue and is coordinating efforts as a larger team.
Amanda Parrish, our Executive Director, also serves as the Vice-Chair of the City’s Climate Resilience and Sustainability Board, which is working to develop a Data Center Impact Review and Policy Framework. They will be spending the next 9 months reviewing data center impacts, regulatory framework, and what other communities have done so that they can make recommendations to City Council.
Taylor Birdtail, our Climate Justice Program Director, has been working with grassroots organizers to make sure those affected by potential data centers are able to advocate for themselves.
In August, we helped to spread the word about public comment opportunities at an upcoming County Commissioner meeting, which led to a standing room only meeting with hundreds attending online and in person to voice concerns.
By sharing information about county meetings and public comment opportunities, we’re working to make it easier for community members to participate in decisions that will shape their home’s future.
Keep an eye on this website for updates on how you can get involved and how large-load data centers could impact the region’s environment.
History of Spokane Data Center Debates
On May 29, 2026, Avista filed an agreement with a large-load customer, and in early June, confirmed this customer was a company looking to develop a large-load data center in Spokane County.
Public outcry and protests began. Demands for transparency and questions about how this would affect Spokane County were raised.
On June 12, Avista announced they would pause negotiations with the data center customers to seek “broader policy and community alignment.”
On June 22, the Spokane City Council passed an ordinance imposing an immediate one-year citywide moratorium on the acceptance, processing, review, and approval of building permit applications for new computer data centers.
The Council also directed the City’s Climate Resilience and Sustainability Board and the Plan Commission to develop a “Data Center Impact Review and Policy Framework” to ensure the evaluation of the potential impacts of data centers.
On July 20, Commissioners Chris Jordan and Amber Waldref announced a proposal for a nine-month countywide moratorium on constructing large-load data centers. Commissioners Al French and Josh Kerns proposed a competing zoning ordinance instead of a moratorium. A vote on the proposals was postponed.
On August 18, after many members of the public spoke against data centers at County Commissioner meetings and wrote to their representatives, the Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved a four-month pause on new permits for large-load data centers.
Now, the County’s Planning Commission is reviewing the draft zoning ordinance in order to make recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners. Meetings continue, with opportunities for the public to voice their opinion and help guide policies regarding data center development.