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Pasco council asks staff to study data center impacts and consider a moratorium
Summary
Council members raised constituent concerns about prospective data centers, asking staff to research environmental, energy and community impacts and to consider a temporary moratorium while the city studies zoning, grid capacity and local safeguards.
Multiple council members expressed constituent concerns about potential data center projects and asked staff to bring back information, with one member proposing a moratorium while the city studies environmental, energy and community impacts.
A council member said online outreach showed strong opposition from local residents and that another jurisdiction’s recent meeting drew significant public attendance. He suggested staff prepare a report and draft code language and consider an environmental review before permits are accepted. Another council member raised published projections about data‑center electricity demand and warned of potential impacts on the electrical grid, water use, noise and temperatures near neighborhoods.
Council members discussed hosting a workshop or study session and noted a regional Tri‑City Chamber roundtable on data centers that could inform local deliberations. Staff did not present an immediate recommendation in the workshop; council requested more information and possible code options, and some members supported a moratorium while that work proceeds.
