City of Umatilla declares emergency due to financial concerns from data center permit pause

The Umatilla City Council declared a local state of emergency in response to Gov. Tina Kotek's directive suspending air and water discharge permits for new and expanded data centers. The city estimates the action could put $5 billion in planned private industrial investment, more than 1,000 construction jobs and millions of dollars in infrastructure and municipal contributions at risk.

City Manager David Stockdale and council members said the suspension threatens Umatilla's economic stability while acknowledging the state's responsibility to protect environmental quality. The emergency declaration took effect immediately, will remain in place while the conditions persist and is subject to review every 90 days.