Amazon engineers criticize AI data center plans amid layoffs

Amazon engineers in Seattle voiced concerns at a city council hearing about the company’s large spending on AI infrastructure while thousands of corporate jobs have been cut. They argued that the pace of data center expansion should be matched by stronger local rules and clearer commitments on energy use. The hearing took place as Seattle officials approved a oneyear pause on new largescale AI data centers to give the city time to write regulations. The move came after developers proposed several major facilities, prompting public pushback. Amazon said it respects employees’ views and continues to focus on energy and water efficiency in its data center operations. The company has said most of its planned capital spending this year is aimed at AI infrastructure.