Drug Paraphernalia Panel

Earlier this year, I introduced an ordinance to prohibit future county tax dollars from being spent on drug paraphernalia. While this may seem like a common-sense proposal, many drug treatment programs endorse a “harm reduction” approach in which the distribution of clean drug paraphernalia is a core component. This includes syringes (needles), smoking pipes, foil, and spoons used for drug consumption. While some believe that distributing clean drug paraphernalia leads to better public health outcomes, I fundamentally oppose the idea of enabling harmful activities like drug abuse. 

At our Health and Community Services Committee meeting on August 25, we heard from a panel of service providers and public safety personnel about the pros and cons of these distribution programs. I appreciate all of the panelists for taking the time to present to the Council and answer our questions. 

Despite the support from some panelists for these drug paraphernalia distribution programs, I remain steadfast in opposing this kind of program, especially when taxpayer dollars are involved. My ordinance is currently working its way through the committee process, and a public hearing will eventually be scheduled to collect public testimony and allow the Council to consider taking action. If you are interested in being notified once the public hearing is scheduled, please feel free to email me at Nate.Nehring@snoco.org.  

Data Center Moratorium Update

Earlier this year, the County Council passed a six-month moratorium on data centers in unincorporated Snohomish County. I introduced the proposal based on extensive feedback I have received from community members regarding concerns about the impact of large data centers. The moratorium is an emergency land-use regulation, and a public hearing was held on Wednesday, August 19. 

During the public hearing, testimony from community members was overwhelmingly opposed to allowing new data centers in Snohomish County. I appreciate everyone who took the time to attend the meeting and share their thoughts with the Council. 

The intent behind the moratorium was to give the county time to adopt permanent regulations without facing the unintended consequences of a new data center permit being approved before adequate regulations are in place. I am working with county staff and community members to craft permanent regulations related to data centers. 

Once the proposal is drafted, it will be introduced, heard in committee, and brought to a public hearing. If you would like to stay informed about the progress of this issue, please email me at Nate.Nehring@snoco.org, and we will add you to our email distribution list. If you haven’t already, you can also share your thoughts by taking a survey on data centers and data center regulations which was put together by my office. That survey is linked here.