Data centers in Seattle are a ‘no-go’ for Ursula as activists warn of increased utility bills

While four major companies are looking to build five massive data centers in Seattle, activist groups have pushed back on the idea due to the facilities potentially requiring a third of the city’s daily power use.

The activists have sent more than 54,000 letters to city officials, warning that the data centers could drive up utility bills. In response, Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson put out a statement saying that no permits have been approved, and confirmed Seattle is entertaining a moratorium as the city studies long-term impacts.

KIRO host Gee Scott praised Wilson’s openness to a moratorium on the data centers and asked residents to pay attention to where they would be placed if so.

“Good for the mayor, recognizing and putting a moratorium on this,” Gee said on “The Gee and Ursula Show” on KIRO Newsradio. “I’m hoping that she and those inside her administration understand the pattern of this. It is the same old playbook that we have seen in the past. If and when these data centers come to this area, they won’t be in Medina, they won’t be in Laurelhurst, they won’t be in some of those neighborhoods. So you already know what neighborhoods these are going to go in, lower-income neighborhoods. If it ever gets approved, pay attention to where these data centers won’t go.”

KIRO host supports mayor’s potential moratorium on massive data center facilities

KIRO host Ursula Reutin noted several other areas in the U.S. have welcomed the data centers and the additional jobs they bring to each city, though it’s a double-edged sword as utility prices are likely to skyrocket alongside it.

“There’s a whole process that goes into imposing a moratorium, but it sounds like the wheels are already spinning. Certain city council members have already talked about that possibility,” Ursula said. “I would imagine that Seattle will be among those too doing the same thing, but these companies are finding places that are welcoming them, places like Texas, where land is a lot cheaper, and the power is easier to get, and the rules are a lot looser.

“Those states are getting lots of jobs that go with these data centers,” she continued. “Again, the real tension is, do you bring them in and bring in those jobs and bring in the money and bring in the revenue, or do you risk losing that next wave of tech investment, but you are protecting utility bills and protecting the environment?”

Gee backed his stance by noting the already steep costs of utilities that would be made much worse with little to no benefits for residents in return.

“We have already talked about our light and gas bill being diabolical,” Gee said. “So imagine if these things come to our neighborhood. They’re talking about lower access to water, all of those things. Imagine if Gee Scott is in your house and eats a third of your food but pays you nothing for it. Your food cost goes up, and I’m just happy to eat your food. Come on now.”

“I’m with you. The idea of having these massive data centers in the city of Seattle is a no-go,” Ursula responded. “I hope that they do come up with a moratorium. They’re going to go somewhere, though.”

Watch the full discussion in the video above.

Listen to Gee and Ursula on “The Gee and Ursula Show” weekday mornings from 9 am to 12 pm on KIRO Newsradio.