Spokane: Mayor Brown Launches Data Center Work Group Following Adoption of One-Year Moratorium

~ Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown has taken action to address the potential impacts of data centers on the city's environment and neighborhoods. In a recent press release, Communications Director Erin Hut announced that a one-year moratorium has been placed on the acceptance, processing, review, and approval of building permit applications for new data centers.

The decision was made following concerns about water use, wastewater, and noise pollution caused by these facilities. To further evaluate these impacts, Mayor Brown has formed an internal work group that will assist the City's Climate Resilience and Sustainability Board and Plan Commission.

According to Mayor Brown, this pause provides an opportunity to carefully consider how data centers should be sited in Spokane. She stated, "We have a responsibility to thoughtfully evaluate how data centers impact our community. The purpose of this work group is to ensure we have the information and community input necessary to make the decisions that are best for Spokane."

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The work group will be led by City Administrator Alexander Scott and will consist of employees from various city divisions such as Environmental Programs, Planning, Transportation and Sustainability, Water, the Mayor's Office, and City Council. Their role will be to assist in reviewing research, examining policies adopted by other municipalities, meeting with subject-matter experts, and gathering public feedback while the moratorium is in place.

Both the Climate Resilience and Sustainability Board and Plan Commission meetings are open to the public. Those interested can also stay updated on their work by signing up for email updates.

Mayor Brown emphasized that while data centers can contribute positively to the economy, it is crucial to understand their potential impacts on the environment and nearby communities. This process will help determine appropriate frameworks and standards that will serve Spokane best.

As this issue continues to be addressed by city officials through research and community engagement, residents can rest assured that their voices will be heard in shaping decisions regarding data center development in Spokane.

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