Eugene residents call for moratorium on data centers
Eugene residents packed City Hall to oppose data center development and advocate for a 120-day moratorium. The calls for a moratorium follow a city staff determination that a data center use would be prohibited at the former Hyundai-Hynix semiconductor facility under current E-1 Campus Employment zoning. Concerns include electricity and water usage, utility rates, air pollution, and noise.
Dozens of Eugene residents gathered at City Hall, with over 70 people signed up to speak, expressing strong opposition to data center development and demanding the City Council implement a 120-day moratorium. Council chambers quickly reached capacity, leaving approximately 50 people outside.
The push for a moratorium follows a recent determination by city staff that a data center, as described in a zoning inquiry, would not be permitted at the former Hyundai-Hynix semiconductor facility on 1830 Willow Creek Circle. The city's Planning and Development department clarified that such use is prohibited under the property’s E-1 Campus Employment zoning, though no formal development proposal has been submitted. Mayor Kaarin Knudson stated that the city's upcoming December discussion on data centers is not contingent on resolving the Hynix site question.
Residents raised concerns about the high electricity and water consumption of large-scale data centers, as well as potential impacts on utility rates, air quality, and noise levels. They also questioned the number of permanent jobs data centers would create compared to the infrastructure and resource demands. Speakers called for greater transparency in negotiations between public agencies and developers and for the City Council to take clear stances on data center development. The council is scheduled to discuss data centers and Eugene’s land-use code during a work session on December 14.