Seattle Council Unanimously Approves Year-long Data Center Halt

WHO:

The Texas Tribune - Governor Greg Abbott released regulatory recommendations for data centers for the Legislature to pass in the 2027 session.

The Texas Tribune - Governor Greg Abbott released regulatory recommendations for data centers.

Techmeme - Mayor Katie Wilson is expected to sign the bill.

Techmeme - Seattle City Council, Mayor Katie Wilson

WHAT:

The Texas Tribune - Abbott's proposals include requiring data centers to pay for their own grid interconnection and infrastructure costs, mandating annual reporting on electricity and water use, and repealing data center sales tax exemptions.

The Texas Tribune - Abbott directed the Public Utility Commission of Texas to submit a joint memorandum by July 17 summarizing actions taken to prevent data center development from causing risks and added costs to Texans.

The Texas Tribune - Abbott's proposals include requiring new facilities to add power generation to the state’s power grid and mandating the use of “closed-loop” water systems.

The Texas Tribune - Abbott's recommendations follow an analysis indicating Texas is poised to lose $3.2 billion in sales tax revenue over the next two years due to a sales tax exemption for data centers.

TechRadar - Seattle has issued a moratorium on new data center projects in and around the city to solidify regulations and protect citizens.

Techmeme - The moratorium specifically halts applications for data centers larger than 20 megavolt-amperes for one year.

Techmeme - Seattle City Council voted 9-0 to enact a one-year moratorium on new large data centers.

GeekWire - The moratorium specifically halts applications for data centers larger than 20 megavolt-amperes.

WHERE:

Techmeme - Seattle, Washington

WHEN:

GeekWire - The moratorium takes effect as soon as Mayor Katie Wilson signs it.

WHY:

The Texas Tribune - Abbott stated that the rapid scale of data center development requires oversight to ensure that everyday Texans are not burdened with the costs of infrastructure driven by data center expansion.

GeekWire - The decision is part of a response to concerns regarding the environmental impact of artificial intelligence.

Techmeme - The decision comes amid a growing backlash to artificial intelligence.

GeekWire - The city will study the impact of large data centers on the power grid, water supply, utility rates, and economy.

HOW:

The Texas Tribune - Abbott's recommendations follow interim charges in both chambers to study the development of data centers and examine their total water usage in Texas.

The Texas Tribune - Abbott directed the Public Utility Commission of Texas to initiate action to reduce residential transmission costs by July 31 and to require data centers to pay for all costs associated with building power infrastructure for their operations.

Techmeme - The Seattle City Council's vote was unanimous, indicating a collective decision-making process.

(UPDATED June 10, 2026 21:47 UTC)

Governor Greg Abbott has put forward regulatory recommendations for data centers that he hopes the Legislature will pass in the upcoming 2027 session. His proposals include requiring data centers to cover their own grid interconnection and infrastructure costs, mandating annual reporting on electricity and water use, and repealing sales tax exemptions for these facilities. Additionally, Abbott has instructed the Public Utility Commission of Texas to prepare a memorandum by July 17 that outlines measures to prevent data center development from imposing risks and costs on Texans.

(UPDATED June 10, 2026 19:49 UTC)

Governor Greg Abbott has unveiled regulatory recommendations aimed at data centers, which include requirements for new facilities to contribute power generation to the state's grid and to utilize closed-loop water systems. These proposals come in response to an analysis suggesting that Texas could face a loss of $3.2 billion in sales tax revenue over the next two years due to a sales tax exemption for data centers. To address the rapid development of these facilities, Abbott has directed the Public Utility Commission of Texas to take action by July 31 to lower residential transmission costs and ensure that data centers cover all expenses related to their power infrastructure.

(UPDATED June 10, 2026 12:07 UTC)

Seattle has announced a moratorium on new data center projects in and around the city. This decision aims to solidify regulations and ensure the protection of its citizens. The move reflects growing concerns about the impact of data centers on local communities and infrastructure.

(UPDATED June 10, 2026 08:20 UTC)

Mayor Katie Wilson is expected to sign a bill that will impose a one-year moratorium on applications for data centers larger than 20 megavolt-amperes. This decision comes in response to growing concerns about the environmental impact of artificial intelligence. The move reflects a proactive approach to addressing these pressing issues in the community.

(UPDATED June 10, 2026 01:48 UTC)

The Seattle City Council has unanimously voted to enact a one-year moratorium on new large data centers, with the decision passing nine to zero. This moratorium specifically halts applications for data centers larger than 20 megavolt-amperes and will take effect as soon as Mayor Katie Wilson signs it. The move comes in response to growing concerns about the impact of artificial intelligence, prompting the city to study how large data centers affect the power grid, water supply, utility rates, and the economy.