New Polling Shows Most Oregonians Wary of AI, Data Centers
New polling reveals that a majority of Oregonians hold negative views on artificial intelligence and data centers, supporting restrictive policies to regulate them. Concerns include massive energy consumption, water degradation, and tax breaks. The Hillsboro City Council recently enacted a moratorium on new data center construction amidst community pressure.
A recent study by Portland polling firm DHM Research indicates that most Oregonians view artificial intelligence and data centers negatively and favor restrictive policies to regulate them. Polling 600 Oregon voters between July 23 and 28, DHM found majority support for all five restrictive policies presented, suggesting these issues could shape the November debate, according to DHM senior vice president John Horvick.
The findings align with broader national trends showing increasing public skepticism towards AI, despite its economic importance. Concerns cited by Oregonians include significant energy consumption, water table degradation, potential AI-fueled job losses, and dissatisfaction with tax incentives offered to data center developers, which many perceive as yielding a poor return on investment.
This shift in public sentiment has spurred communities across Oregon to advocate for changes in their relationship with data centers. Notably, Governor Tina Kotek recently terminated a proposed data center project in Salem. The impact is particularly evident in Hillsboro, a major hub for data center development in the state, where residents have actively pushed for reforms. In response to this community pressure, the Hillsboro City Council approved and enacted a moratorium on new data center construction last week.