Washington Officials Introduce Data Center Moratorium to Block 20MW Project

Real estate developer Blue Fern Development is planning a 20MW data center in Cle Elum, Washington, despite local officials introducing a moratorium in an effort to block the project. The proposed facility would span 100,000 sq ft (9,290 sqm) near Interstate 90 and require around $200 million in investment. It would use a closed-loop cooling system designed to minimize water consumption.

The proposed data center would be part of the 1,100-acre Bullfrog Flats master-planned community, which Blue Fern acquired from Sun Communities affiliate Sun 47 North LLC in June 2025. Approved in 2002, the development includes zoning for a 75-acre light industrial business park and more than 100 homes. A Puget Sound Energy substation sits next to the proposed data center site, and Blue Fern has applied for power from the utility.

Cle Elum’s city council unanimously approved a six-month moratorium on new data centers, though it remains unclear whether the measure will apply to the project, which reportedly already has a development agreement with the city. Officials are exploring how the moratorium could affect the development. Meanwhile, a Change.org petition opposing the project has gathered nearly 4,500 signatures.

“This proposed data center, to be situated alarmingly close to ALL of our schools in Cle Elum, poses significant risks to our environment, potentially disrupting the delicate balance of nature that many in our community rely on and those that love to visit this area in the warm summers, snowy winters and enjoy our rivers and lakes,” the petition said.