Oregon pauses data center permits until 2027
Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek directed the state Department of Environmental Quality to pause processing and issuing air and water permits for new or expanded data centers through July 1, 2027. The pause is intended to give the state time to review advisory committee recommendations and consider regulatory changes protecting communities and the environment.
Gov. Tina Kotek ordered the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality to suspend processing and issuing several air, water and wastewater permits tied to new or expanded data centers until July 1, 2027. The directive also covers municipal wastewater treatment permit changes needed to support data center discharges.
Kotek said the temporary pause will allow her administration to review recommendations from the Data Center Advisory Committee and prepare for potential policy and regulatory reforms during the 2027 legislative session. The order comes amid growing controversy over data center development in Oregon and follows the governor’s support for local moratoriums and additional restrictions.