Washington's Data Center Tax Breaks Under Scrutiny for Job Creation and Energy Impact

A decade-long tax incentive program aimed at boosting tech jobs in rural Washington faces questions over its effectiveness and environmental costs.

The tax break, initially designed to create high-tech jobs, has grown to one of the state's largest corporate giveaways.
Lawmakers have repeatedly weakened job creation requirements while expanding the tax break to urban areas.
The data center industry's rising energy demands could hinder Washington's carbon-free power grid goals.
Transparency issues persist, with limited public data on job creation and tax break benefits.
Calls for more rigorous auditing and accountability have increased amid concerns over the program's true value.