Full Breakdown
Amazon Investigates Engineers Over AI Data Center Testimony
6/20/2026, 9:09:24 PM
Investigation After Seattle Moratorium Testimony
Amazon placed three engineers—Patrick Schloesser, Darius Irani, and Liesl Wigand—under investigation after they testified before the Seattle City Council on a moratorium on AI data centers. HR contacted each employee on June 10, warning the review could lead to disciplinary action, including termination.
Background, Local Regulation, and Industry Scale
The Seattle City Council voted 9-0 on June 9 to impose a moratorium on AI data centers. A Gallup poll shows 71 % of Americans oppose AI data-center construction. Amazon has announced up to $200 billion in spending for 2026 and used 2.5 billion gallons of water in 2025 data-center operations.
Key Participants and Timeline of Actions
The engineers—Patrick Schloesser, Darius Irani, and Liesl Wigand—are members of Amazon Employees for Climate Justice (AECJ). Amazon spokesperson Margaret Callahan said the company reviews policy compliance. Timeline: early June testimony; June 9 council vote; June 10 HR meetings; 2020 dismissal of two AECJ founders; 2021 settlement of a related labor lawsuit.
Official Statements from Amazon and Civil Rights Office
Amazon spokesperson Margaret Callahan said employees may not represent the company without following procedures and that the review will determine whether policy was violated; the company “does not tolerate retaliatory behavior.” The Seattle Office for Civil Rights confirmed receipt of the engineers’ complaint and said it will assess alleged discrimination under city law.
Criticism, Opposition, and On-the-Ground Accounts
AECJ filed a complaint alleging Amazon monitored the engineers’ political advocacy, created intimidation, and threatened disciplinary measures. The complaint cites prior firings of two AECJ organizers in 2020 and a 2021 settlement as evidence of retaliation. Engineers reported HR warnings that investigation could lead to termination and described feeling intimidated during process.
Conflicting Reports and Information Gaps
Sources differ on whether Amazon warned the engineers that termination was possible. Some reports state the company denied a termination threat, while others indicate employees were told investigation could result in dismissal. No public record yet details the final outcome of Amazon’s internal review.
Verbatim Quotes
- “All I did was testify because I believe it’s critical that the government regulates data centers and AI. Workers need to be involved in these conversations.” — Darius Irani, Amazon engineer, AECJ
- “ Amazon spokesperson Margaret Callahan said employees are not allowed to represent the company publicly without following certain procedures, and the review is focused on whether those policies were violated.” — Margaret Callahan, Amazon spokesperson
- “it became clear that they may have been speaking in their capacity as Amazonians and not as private citizens.” — Margaret Callahan, Amazon spokesperson
- “It's important to note that we don't tolerate retaliatory behavior.” — Margaret Callahan, Amazon spokesperson
- “experienced intimidation and surveillance during their workday,” — Engineers’ legal counsel, representing the three engineers
What’s Next
The Seattle Office for Civil Rights will investigate the discrimination complaint, and Amazon’s internal review may result in disciplinary action or a finding of no violation. The city’s moratorium remains in effect for one year, and additional state proposals are expected to influence AI data-center regulation nationwide.
