WA data‑center regulation bill fades after tech pushback

Washington state’s sweeping data-center regulation bill HB 2515—which would have added utility charges, clean-energy conditions, and peak-demand curtailment—died without a vote as Microsoft, Amazon and other critics pressed to block it. Supporters argued the rules would protect ratepayers and the grid, while opponents warned of higher costs and disclosure risks. A rewritten version dropping on-site renewables and some energy-use mandates was not brought to a committee vote before the session deadline, with the sponsor signaling plans to revisit the issue next year.