Kotek Pauses All Consideration of State Land for Data Centers
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has ordered state agencies to pause all action on requests to use state land for data centers, effective immediately. She announced this policy at an anti-data center rally in Salem and expressed her intent for the Legislature to pass a statewide data center moratorium in its 2027 session. This move comes amid increasing public backlash against data centers in the state.
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has issued an executive order instructing state agencies to halt all proceedings related to requests for state-owned land for data center development. The directive, effective September 8, encompasses applications for easements, leases, land-use permits, and the sale or transfer of state property intended for data center projects. Governor Kotek made the announcement at an anti-data center rally held at the state Capitol in Salem, underscoring that Oregon should not be a "cheap date for data centers" and that communities deserve a voice in such developments.
The governor's office has requested status reports from all agencies by September 14, 2026, to assess the number of data center proposals affected by the pause. This interim measure is slated to remain in effect until July 1 or until further statewide legislative or gubernatorial action is taken. Kotek also publicly stated her desire for the Oregon Legislature to enact a statewide data center moratorium during its 2027 session, advocating for a comprehensive state approach to protect communities and natural resources.
This policy shift comes amidst growing public opposition to data center expansion in Oregon, an issue that has become politically charged. The article notes that state Sen. Janeen Sollman (D-Hillsboro) lost her legislative seat in the May primary due to the controversy. Governor Kotek herself is facing reelection challenges, with rival state Sen. Christine Drazan (R-Canby) criticizing her alleged ties to data center developers. Earlier in July, Kotek terminated a planned sale of 32 acres of state land in Salem's Mill Creek Corporate Center for a proposed data center, further underscoring her administration's evolving stance on the industry.