Anti data center protestors were in force at the Seattle City Council meeting on June 9. The council passed a unanimous resolution opposing them with city limits.
Photo by Liz Steen
By Liz Steen
On June 9, 2026, the Seattle City Council voted unanimously to halt the construction of five proposed data centers and expand the requirements for environmental impact studies. The decision came after a crowd of protesters at City Hall voiced overwhelming concerns regarding the impact these facilities would have on the city's electricity and water supplies.
The five halted data centers would have consumed an amount of electricity equal to one-third of Seattle's current daily usage. Council Member Deborah Juarez emphasized the importance of protecting natural resources, stating that the city should not be "using water so people can use AI to make art". Juarez worked alongside West Seattle’s Rob Saka to gather information prior to the vote, advocating for a careful approach to technology rather than a "race to extract resources" by corporations.
While Public Safety Chair Rob Kettle acknowledged that some existing data centers provide community benefits—such as heating buildings at the University of Washington or supporting first responders—he agreed that all facets of electrical usage must be carefully considered.
The council's action includes a one-year pause on new construction while more comprehensive studies are conducted. You can access the official documentation for the one-year pause and the new expanded study guide through the city's legislative portal
