Gov. Tina Kotek to back 2027 bill on Oregon data center approach
Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek plans to introduce legislation in 2027 to establish a new system approach for data centers, incorporating recommendations from her Data Center Advisory Committee. She supports local moratoriums to allow time to assess data centers' energy, water use, and community impacts, as seen with Salem's pursuit of a temporary moratorium after a Verrus project proposal.
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek announced her intention to introduce legislation in the 2027 session aimed at establishing a new statewide approach to data center development. The proposed bill will draw recommendations from Kotek's Data Center Advisory Committee, which was convened earlier this year and is expected to release its preliminary findings in September. A public listening session on these draft findings is scheduled for September 23.
Governor Kotek has voiced support for local moratoriums on data centers, emphasizing the need for time to evaluate their energy and water consumption, potential job creation, and community impacts before implementing statewide policies. She specifically noted the Salem City Council's unanimous decision to pursue a temporary moratorium following public outcry over a proposed data center development by Verrus in southeast Salem. Kotek also directed the state to halt the sale of state-owned land that comprised half of the original Salem proposal, questioning its best use.
However, a statewide moratorium on data centers is not anticipated to be part of the final bill, according to committee co-chair Margi Hoffmann. The committee's mandate is to determine how data center economic development can proceed responsibly within the state, ensuring good stewardship of natural and tax resources. Other Oregon cities, such as Woodburn, are also considering similar measures to limit or block data center expansion.