Amazon employees ask Seattle to put the brakes on new data centers

The Seattle City Council is considering a one-year moratorium on new large-scale data centers following concerns regarding their high energy consumption, environmental impact, and noise. Current and former Amazon employees, many affiliated with the group Amazon Employees for Climate Justice, have joined residents in testifying for the pause. They argue that companies are prioritizing AI infrastructure over climate goals and community well-being, often masking project details behind shell companies. Proponents of the moratorium are calling for stricter regulations, including mandatory renewable energy use and increased transparency, to ensure tech expansion does not occur at the expense of city infrastructure and public health.

(Source：The Verge)