Amazon Employees Are Not Having It: No More Data Centers in Seattle for a Year. What Are They Afraid Of

Seattle is considering introducing a moratorium lasting one year on new large data centers, a proposal that has garnered support from numerous citizens, technicians, and even employees from the local technology industry. The City Council's vote comes just weeks after the introduction of five projects for new large-scale facilities intended to support the expansion of AI-based technologies.

Among the supporters of this measure are several Amazon workers, the flagship company of the city's tech sector. During public hearings, engineers and developers expressed concerns regarding the environmental and social impact of the increasing demand for AI infrastructure.

One of the most discussed topics is resource consumption. The four projects currently under review would require a maximum total power of 369 megawatts, roughly one-third of the city's average daily electricity consumption. According to estimates reported by local media, these new facilities could consume 10 times more energy than the approximately 30 data centers already present in the area.

Further Details on Amazon Employees Who Have Expressed Concern about Growing AI Infrastructures

Some Amazon employees belonging to the group Amazon Employees for Climate Justice have emphasized that the expansion of artificial intelligence often occurs without a sufficient assessment of environmental costs. This group had previously criticized corporate strategies, calling for all data centers to be powered by additional and local renewable sources.

During the hearings, several proposals were made. These include greater transparency regarding the actual owners of the facilities, requirements for using renewable energy, public monitoring of water and electricity consumption, and the creation of independent committees focused on AI safety.

Many residents have also linked the issue of data centers to other city problems, such as rising energy costs, pressure on the housing market, and the increasing number of homeless individuals. Some have also criticized the noise produced by these infrastructures and their impact on the local area. The moratorium would allow the city to delve deeper into the economic, environmental, and social effects of data centers before authorizing further developments.