La Pine rejects proposed data center
La Pine City Council rejected a proposed data center development by Boxminer.io following extensive public opposition. Residents raised concerns about environmental impact, noise, job creation, and property values, leading to the council's vote to deny the proposal.
The La Pine City Council in Oregon voted to reject a proposed data center development by bitcoin miner Boxminer.io after hours of public testimony against the project. Residents expressed significant concerns about the potential environmental impact, including water usage despite the developer's claims of a closed-loop air-cooled system, as well as noise, limited job creation, and negative effects on property values and the town's character.
The May 27 vote followed multiple public hearings where community members voiced strong opposition, culminating in applause when the council announced its decision. La Pine City Manager Geoff Wullschlager's analysis of potential power costs and job numbers also questioned the validity of information provided by Boxminer.io, further influencing the council's deliberation. Mayor Jeannine Earls and City Councilor Mike Shields acknowledged the thorough process and public input leading to the rejection of the proposal.