Residents press Richland council for moratorium on proposed Atlas Agro data center, citing water, energy and transparency concerns

Public comment at the July 7 Richland City Council meeting was dominated by opposition to the proposed Atlas Agro development and by repeated calls for a moratorium.

Multiple residents spoke in succession urging the council to pause approvals and demand more transparency and independent review. "Please pause," one speaker told the council, and another said "we don't want that in our backyard." Speakers raised a range of concerns: potential strain on the electrical grid, heavy water use and wastewater treatment risks, environmental and health impacts, and insufficient public outreach. One speaker cited a petition of "over 530 people" opposing the project.

Terry Stewart submitted a white paper outlining 15 policy proposals that, he said, would prioritize existing residents and businesses, demand full-cost recovery, require continuous environmental monitoring and protect against stranded-asset risk. Several speakers asked specifically how the city will secure power and water and whether independent third-party reviews will be required. Jamie, who submitted documents for the record, asked "what is the plan for the water?" and requested an unbiased cumulative-impact assessment before moving forward.

Council responses were measured. Councilmember Witten acknowledged public concerns and said large projects must pay for required infrastructure, adding that a one-year moratorium would be "basically symbolic" because transmission lead times are lengthy. Councilmember Meyer — who said she understands the industry and its limitations — urged stronger protections in local rules (for example, tax and environmental requirements) and said her priority was securing the fertilizer plant component of the proposal rather than the data center alone. Councilmember Samuel noted a regional roundtable on July 20 hosted by the Tri‑City Chamber of Commerce that will address data-center operations and regional impacts and invited residents to RSVP.

No moratorium or formal vote on the Atlas Agro proposal was taken at the meeting. Several residents asked for a town hall and more proactive public outreach; councilmembers directed staff to continue engaging and acknowledged the concerns raised.