Boise proposes six-month pause on data centers

Boise Mayor Lauren McLean has proposed a temporary halt to large data center construction in the city, even though no such projects are currently seeking approval within city limits. The plan aims to establish regulations before developers arrive, rather than reacting to specific applications after they are filed.

The proposed moratorium would last six months. During that time, the city would stop approving new data centers that exceed 100,000 square feet or require more than 20 megawatts of power. McLean stated there are no pending applications that meet these specific thresholds. The pause allows officials to review existing rules and identify gaps in how the city evaluates major industrial developments.

McLean cited recent activity in other Idaho communities as the primary reason for acting now. A developer has proposed a project south of Boise that would use nearly 3,700 acres of federal public land, including a 4 million-square-foot facility. Additionally, Meta operates a data center in Kuna, and city leaders in Pocatello recently rejected a large-scale proposal. McLean said these examples raised questions about whether Boise has adequate protections in place for its infrastructure.

"A lot of people are asking that, and they're asking why now, but I wouldn't want them to ask tomorrow, why didn't you do it," McLean said in an interview with Idaho News 6. She described the move as a preemptive step to get ahead of the trend.

The review will focus on several factors, including water usage, power requirements, noise levels, and the number of jobs the facilities might create. McLean emphasized that the city needs to understand if the economic benefits justify the demands placed on local resources. She wants to ensure that any new development provides lasting employment opportunities for residents.

The proposal distinguishes between data centers and other large industrial projects, such as the multi-billion-dollar semiconductor expansion by Micron Technology. While both require significant electricity and water, McLean noted that Micron is investing in the community and creating permanent, high-paying jobs. "Micron is not a data center," she said. "They're investing in the community, and they're creating opportunity for our kids and grandkids to come home with high-paying jobs."

The mayor also plans to involve residents in the process. She said part of the six-month period will be dedicated to conversations with the community to determine what protections they expect. McLean suggested that Idaho communities need more support at the state level to evaluate large developments. "The state needs to create guardrails so that communities can advocate for themselves," she said.

The Boise City Council is scheduled to hold a public hearing on the proposed moratorium on Tuesday, Nov. 10. Officials will then consider whether to approve the measure.