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.
Lincoln County
This restriction takes precedence while in effect. The rating below excludes temporary restrictions.
Mixed Data Center Policies
Lincoln County’s enacted ordinance pauses acceptance of data-center permit applications for six months, delaying projects and expansions that need permits; it does not require existing centers to close.
Rating from Washington statewide as there are no scored current or future laws outside temporary restrictions for Lincoln County.
Specific to Lincoln County only.
current law · County measureLincoln County, Washington's Ordinance 26-02 was adopted September 8, 2026 and imposes a six-month emergency moratorium on accepting permit applications for data centers and/or battery energy storage systems (BESS).Lincoln County Ordinance 26-02 (2026)
What this means
The measure would stop Lincoln County from accepting permit applications for data centers for six months, substantially delaying new projects and expansions that need permits (six-month emergency moratorium). It does not say existing data centers must close, so the restriction is serious but temporary.
Timing
Six-month emergency moratorium on acceptance of permit applications for data centers and/or BESS. Exact effective-date trigger, calendar expiration, extension authority and later extensions or early termination remain unverified; no calculated expiration date is asserted.
People behind it
- Scott M. Hutsell
Board chairman; opens the hearing on Ordinance 26-02.
- Jo M. Gilchrist
County commissioner present at the September 8 session.
- Rob Coffman
County commissioner; states hearing rules and purpose.
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- Tara Holden
Clerk of the Board named in the published ordinance summary.
- Courtney Thompson
Planner consulted about the moratorium and zoning updates.
- Sue Lani Madsen
Planning Commission chairwoman given the floor during the hearing.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements1
Six-month emergency moratorium on the acceptance of permit applications for data centers and/or Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). Full definitions, exceptions and treatment of pending applications are unverified.
Sources
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