Data centers require enormous amounts of electricity and water to operate. Without strong guardrails, the costs of building and running these facilities can be passed on to ordinary ratepayers through higher electricity bills and increased strain on local water systems. At the same time, the public infrastructure that supports our communities, including the power grid, roads, bridges, and schools, requires significant investment. Data center development should strengthen these systems, not strain them.

It is official: we are one month from Election Day. That means we have just 31 days to reach every voter in Northwest Washington who cares about the direction of this country.

Each day between now and November 3 is an opportunity to talk with a neighbor, welcome someone new into this campaign, and make sure voters across Island, San Juan, Skagit, Whatcom, and western Snohomish counties understand what is at stake.

You have probably received several messages from me in the last few weeks about how to ensure your vote is counted. The right to vote is fundamental to our democracy. But right now, the rules governing our elections are being challenged in courts and changed across the country.