The Data Center Divide
A policy snapshot ahead of the 2026 midterms. Mapping data center incentives, restrictions, and bans through legislation, regulations, and executive actions across all 50 states and 1,462 local jurisdictions.
Douglas County
Mixed Data Center Policies
Washington offers eligible data centers tax breaks for equipment and power infrastructure, subject to job, environmental, and labor requirements. Enacted changes limit some equipment exemptions and describe broader exemptions as ending July 1, 2026, though the descriptions conflict on their scope.
Rating and summary from Washington statewide as there are no scored current or future laws outside temporary restrictions for Douglas County.
Specific to Douglas County only.
current law · Unincorporated areasThe text, purpose, obligations, affected parties, and implementation status of Douglas County Code Chapter 18A.72.270 cannot be determined because the Douglas County Code page provides no substantive provision text.Douglas County Code Chapter 18A.72.270 Cryptocurrency mining
Timing
The sources confirm a county moratorium and state that interim controls for garage setbacks within the UGA would need to be extended for an additional year, but they do not specify the moratorium’s expiration date or ending condition.
People behind it
- Commissioner Sutton
Moved the motions to approve the identified ordinances and the Douglas County Land Use Hearing Examiner Procedures.
- Commissioner Steinburg
Seconded the motions to approve the identified ordinances and the Douglas County Land Use Hearing Examiner Procedures.
Sources
unknown · Unincorporated areasEstablishes a temporary moratorium on using cargo containers for cryptocurrency-mining operations in unincorporated Douglas County, approved on April 17, 2018, primarily because of concerns about the containers’ aesthetic impact.Wenatchee World It does not apply to incorporated municipalities and required a public hearing within 60 days, although no hearing date had been set when reported; the texts do not identify exemptions, thresholds, penalties, or a later permanent ban.Douglas County 2018 moratorium on cargo-container cryptocurrency-mining operations
What this means
The temporary moratorium would delay only cryptocurrency mining operations using cargo containers in unincorporated Douglas County, not data centers generally. The source says it applied to cargo containers for cryptocurrency mining, so the practical burden on data center development overall appears minor.
Timing
- Ends
- May 2018
The sources state that the Douglas County PUD's moratorium lasted from March 2018 to May 2018. No more specific expiration date is provided.
People behind it
- Douglas County Board of Commissioners
Approved the moratorium on using cargo containers for cryptocurrency mining in unincorporated Douglas County.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements7
Moratorium on cargo-container cryptocurrency operations: Douglas County prohibited using cargo containers to house cryptocurrency-mining operations in unincorporated areas during the moratorium.
Public hearing within 60 days: The moratorium required a public hearing within 60 days, creating a waiting period before the county could decide how to proceed.
East Wenatchee cargo-container moratorium: East Wenatchee imposed a moratorium on placing cargo containers for any purpose, and cryptocurrency mining could not be conducted from a person’s home.
Utility deposit requirement: Douglas County PUD required cryptocurrency miners to provide a deposit equal to one month’s service before operating.
Higher electricity rates: The PUD increased electricity rates for cryptocurrency-mining operations with higher energy consumption.
Additional utility contracts for high usage: The PUD required cryptocurrency miners with usage above its specified high-consumption threshold to enter into contracts for that service.
Shutdown deadline for unauthorized miners: Unauthorized cryptocurrency miners were given until May 15 to shut down and notify the PUD; the amnesty applied only to miners the PUD had not already warned.
Sources
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