Amazon employees push Seattle to pause new data centers for one year

On Tuesday, Seattle City Council will vote on a one-year moratorium on new data centers, just two months after four companies proposed five large-scale facilities. Current and former Amazon employees, including senior software engineer Liesl Wigand, testified in support, citing concerns over water consumption, electricity prices, and noise. Wigand, a member of Amazon Employees for Climate Justice, said the 'all-costs-justified AI buildout' ignores resource costs. The proposed centers would have a combined maximum demand of 369 megawatts—about one-third of Seattle's average electricity use—and 10 times more power than the city's existing 30 data centers.

Supporters also demanded stricter regulations beyond the moratorium. Amazon software engineer Patrick Schloesser called for requiring developers to provide 100% additional renewable energy, avoid NDAs and shell companies, and establish worker-led safety committees that report to the city. The emergency moratorium includes a resolution for more research on data center impacts on infrastructure, utility rates, water use, and public health. However, critics note that if paperwork is submitted before the vote, construction could proceed. The vote represents a growing pushback from tech insiders against unchecked AI expansion.