How revelations like $450M tax breaks created a powerful opposition movement against Oregon data centers
Grassroots opposition to data centers has grown around Hillsboro after revelations about tax breaks, utility costs and planned expansion. The coalition helped pressure Gov. Tina Kotek to reconsider her support and contributed to the success of candidates opposing industry incentives.
A coalition led by 1000 Friends of Oregon and Stand Up to Data Centers Oregon is organizing opposition to the rapid expansion of data centers around Hillsboro. The movement has focused on roughly $453 million in statewide industry tax savings, including about $85 million tied to Hillsboro-area facilities, as well as concerns about higher utility bills and the land required for future development.
The opposition gained momentum after state Sen. Janeen Sollman proposed legislation affecting 1,700 acres of farmland and sought to increase a key tax break benefiting industries including data centers. Following intense pushback, Sollman removed the tax-break provisions from the bill. Activists say the backlash has also pressured Gov. Tina Kotek and helped anti-data-center candidates succeed in Oregon primary elections.