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.
Thurston 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 Thurston County.
Specific to Thurston County only.
pending · County measureWould, if approved, pause approvals for new data centers for one year while the county evaluates effects on water, energy, and infrastructure capacity and considers updates to county code, zoning restrictions, or other regulations.Thurston County proposed one-year data center permit moratorium (2026)
What this means
If enacted, the proposed one-year pause on approving data-center permits would prevent new projects from moving forward while the county reviews its rules, a substantial short-term barrier (one-year ban on approving permits). The source describes a proposal for future board review, not a moratorium already in effect.
Timing
- Ends
- one year after adoption
The Board directed staff to prepare a proposed one-year moratorium on approving new data-center permits; the moratorium has not yet received a formal final vote.
People behind it
- Emily Clouse
Introduced and brought forward the motion directing staff to develop a one-year data center moratorium proposal.
- Carolina Mejia
Amended the motion to require county staff to return to the Board with a formal moratorium proposal before a final vote.
- Thurston County staff
Responsible for preparing the proposed moratorium and evaluating related planning and regulatory changes.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements1
A proposed one-year moratorium on approving permits for new data centers, pending a formal board vote and intended to provide time to update county codes, zoning restrictions, or other regulations.
Sources
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