Salem votes to start the process for a temporary data center moratorium
The Salem City Council has unanimously voted to advance a temporary moratorium on AI data centers. This decision follows a contentious period for data centers in Oregon, including Governor Tina Kotek terminating a land contract for a new data center. Residents voiced concerns and questioned city leaders about a non-disclosure agreement with California-based company Verus.
Salem City Council recently voted unanimously to advance a temporary moratorium on AI data centers, marking a significant development in the ongoing debate over data center expansion in Oregon. The decision came after a contentious week across the state regarding data center projects.
Just days prior to the council's vote, Governor Tina Kotek terminated Oregon's land contract for a new data center that had been slated for construction. The Salem City Council meeting itself featured hours of heated public testimony, with many residents pressing city leaders for information regarding a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) signed with California-based company Verus.
The NDA, which reportedly ended last month after its existence was leaked, has raised questions among the public. Councilors expressed a desire for Salem to be an innovator but acknowledged the limitations they face regarding the current situation and data center support.