With the announcement that Avista plans to power a secretive, massive data center in Eastern Washington, the time is now to let your local and state governments know how you feel. According to The Spokesman-Review, this plan proposes up to 500 megawatts of electricity by 2032—an amount equal to about half of what all residents and businesses in Spokane County use. The consequences of this data center could be severe. From water access limitations and pollution to increased utility costs, potential health risks, and nearby infrasound exposure, this data center poses a direct threat to the way of life for everyone living in Spokane County.

We live in a unique place where almost all of our water comes from the Spokane Valley–Rathdrum Prairie (SVRP) Aquifer. This means whatever leaks into our soil and our rivers ends up directly in our drinking water. Here is a link to a study published in April of 2026, done by the Environmental and Energy Study Institute. Their findings show that data centers are contributing to PFAS, or "forever chemical," pollution. Because these facilities rely heavily on PFAS-laden semiconductors, fire suppressants, and chemical coolants, any leaks or electronic waste runoff can quickly seep through our porous gravel soil and contaminate our sole source of clean drinking water.

The amount of water a facility this size would need would limit the amount of water available for all the people who live in our community. This increased demand for water would lead to higher water bills, on average, for everyone. 

Similarly to the water situation, a facility this size would increase the regional demand for energy. While there might be tax credits to alleviate these pains at first, this will eventually drive up the price of energy in our area as well. 

Please sign this petition and help protect Spokane County from a massive data center through this Avista deal.

Link to the study: https://www.eesi.org/articles/view/data-centers-are-contributing-to-pfas-forever-chemical-pollution