Medford council, planning commission to discuss data centers
Medford city officials are scheduled to discuss potential changes to land-use regulations for data centers, prompted by local resident Matthew Damigos who launched a petition to prevent AI data center construction in the city. This local debate follows Oregon Governor Tina Kotek's recent order for a moratorium on data center development on state lands through July 2027. Concerns center on data centers' heavy electricity and water consumption, as well as environmental impacts.
Medford city officials, including the City Council and Planning Commission, are scheduled to hold a joint study session on September 30 to discuss data centers. This discussion occurs amidst broader state and national conversations regarding the growing number of data center facilities and their potential impacts. Key concerns center on heavy electricity and water consumption for cooling, as well as general environmental and land-use considerations.
Medford resident Matthew Damigos has launched an online petition titled "Prevent the construction of an AI data center in Medford, Oregon," expressing deep concern about the potential implications for the city. Damigos emphasized that the issue is a "public health matter" that warrants extensive community input, criticizing the short notice for the upcoming study session. While no data center applications are currently pending in Medford, the city's Land Development Code presently allows data centers in all commercial and Light Industrial zones without special design or location standards.
The upcoming session will consider whether to modify these land-use regulations before any proposals for data centers are submitted. This local development follows Oregon Governor Tina Kotek's recent order earlier this month, enacting a moratorium on data center development on state lands through July 2027, spurred by concerns from environmental and advocacy groups.