How WA lawmakers are trying to regulate data centers

By: Aspen Ford

Outlets: Washington State Standard

Published: February 11, 2026

Words: 967

Last Updated: 2 weeks, 6 days ago

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With data centers expected to become the largest source of electricity demand in the Pacific Northwest, Washington legislators are pressing ahead with a bill aimed at protecting the grid and offsetting potential hikes for utility ratepayers.

House Bill 2515 passed out of the Appropriations Committee on Monday afternoon, with two Democrats and all of the Republicans on the panel opposed. Reps. April Berg, D-Mill Creek, and Larry Springer, D-Kirkland, cast the two Democratic “no” …

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