‘Into the great unknown’: Clackamas County approves data center moratorium
The Clackamas County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a 120-day moratorium on data center development in unincorporated parts of the county. Officials will use the pause to study impacts involving water, utility costs, land use and natural resources before considering permanent regulations.
The Clackamas County Board of Commissioners approved an immediate, temporary moratorium halting data center development in unincorporated areas for 120 days. Commissioners said the pause will give county staff time to study the industry and develop potential regulations, while allowing additional public input.
Officials cited concerns about water availability, utility costs, land use and the effects on farming and nursery operations, while also acknowledging the economic opportunities associated with data centers. The action follows similar pauses in Woodburn, Salem and Hillsboro and comes as Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek has separately paused environmental permits for data center projects statewide. The county moratorium may be extended or repealed before it expires.