Washington protesters seek a statewide pause on AI data centers
Organizers staged an October 4 day of action as Washington lawmakers weigh how to regulate the power and water demands of large AI data centers.
A statewide demand, not a statewide rule
Protesters gathered on Seattle’s John Lewis Memorial Bridge on October 4 to call for a pause on large data centers. The Seattle Times reported from the gathering and said Washington AI Resistance had organized at least 19 events across the state for its day of action. The group’s event page confirms that it is seeking a statewide moratorium. The Times reported that other demonstrations were scheduled in places including Spokane, Olympia and Tacoma; its account does not establish turnout at every planned site.
Organizers told the Times they worry about electricity and water use, pollution and privacy as AI computing expands. Those are their concerns, not independently measured impacts of any particular proposed facility. The newspaper said Amazon and Microsoft did not immediately respond to its requests for comment on Sunday. Seattle adopted a one-year pause on large data centers in June, and other local governments have enacted temporary restrictions, according to the report. State Rep. Gerry Pollet expressed support for a moratorium, while Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen said he had not committed to one and expected significant regulatory requirements instead. No statewide moratorium has been enacted.