Residents urge caution on AI data centers, citing water and environmental risks

Multiple residents used the public-comment period to press the council for more review before approving AI data centers, raising questions about water use, environmental impact studies, and the parties paying for outside expert reviews.

Miss Phillips, who said she lives in Richland, said she was "really concerned about the AI data centers" and asked whether the city has the expertise or budget to hire outside reviewers. Natalie Williams, attending from Pasco, relayed worries raised in a Walla Walla meeting about water for people and crops and mentioned the McNary Wildlife Refuge; she asked the city to publish any Atlas/Argo plan and confirm who would fund expert review and environmental impact studies. Cassandra Tran, also a Richland resident, said, "we live in the hot desert... it's honestly ridiculous to think that we have the water or resources at all to support this," and urged that experts be consulted because of long-term risks to children and future residents.

Mayor Richardson and other council members responded that the city is reviewing risks and pursuing expert input. "We are all doing our homework here," the mayor said, noting the city manager had outlined the consultant and review steps at a previous meeting. Council members and the mayor emphasized that the city would seek appropriate counsel and that public engagement will continue as proposals move forward.