Kotek Pauses Data Centers on State Land, Demonstrators Push for Her to Go Further

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek announced a one-year pause on data center development on state-owned land, effective until July 1, 2027, or until further legislative action. The order directs state agencies to immediately halt approvals for easements, leases, or sales of state property related to new data center projects. This action follows a demonstration outside the Oregon State Capitol where approximately 100 people, including environmental and advocacy groups, called for a three-year statewide moratorium on data center development.

While Governor Kotek expressed support for the protestors' concerns regarding the environmental impact and tax incentives for data centers, she stated the state currently lacks the authority for a full statewide moratorium. She emphasized the need for data center development to be "on our terms." This intervention comes after Kotek previously halted a data center project on state-owned Department of Corrections land in Salem in March.

Data centers have become a significant political issue in Oregon, particularly in legislative discussions and the gubernatorial race. The House Interim Climate, Energy, and Environment Committee recently held a packed session addressing data center tax revenues, energy and water usage, and oversight. Additionally, Kotek

HARKINS Data Center Advisory Committee, tasked with analyzing the costs and benefits of data centers, has adjusted its timeline, now planning to provide preliminary findings soon and recommendations by the end of the year.