Council Advances Resolution Opposing NDAs in Data Center Talks
Portland City Council advanced a resolution to prevent city officials from entering nondisclosure agreements with data center builders to promote transparency. Councilors also expressed an intent to pursue a moratorium or zoning restrictions on hyperscale data centers. This action reflects widespread public backlash and concerns in Oregon over data center impacts.
The Portland City Council's Housing and Permitting Committee has advanced a resolution urging city administrator Raymond C. Lee III to avoid nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) with data center developers and to ensure transparent public processes. Introduced by Councilors Angelita Morillo, Tiffany Koyama Lane, and Mitch Green, the resolution emphasizes that transparency is a core value and the community needs to be informed and provide input on future data center development.
Councilor Koyama Lane further submitted an amendment indicating the City Council's intent to pursue a moratorium or zoning restrictions on all hyperscale data centers, as well as considering other approaches for large-load data centers. The resolution passed the committee 4-0 and is scheduled for the regular meeting agenda on September 9.
This move by Portland's council comes amid significant public opposition to data centers across the country, including in Oregon. Hillsboro City Council recently approved a 120-day moratorium, while Salem and Washington and Clackamas counties are also considering similar measures. Opponents cite concerns over groundwater contamination, rising energy costs, and a poor return on investment from tax breaks.
Separately, six Democratic legislators in Oregon proposed a statewide three-year moratorium on large-scale data centers, with a bill expected to be introduced in 2027.