La Pine residents pack meeting to oppose data center

La Pine, Oregon residents packed a recent City Council meeting to express strong opposition to a proposed data center by bitcoin miner Boxminer.io, a company operated by Hidden Pines LLC out of San Diego. During a nearly three-hour public comment session, community members raised concerns about potential environmental damage, increased noise, the possibility of higher electric bills, and impacts on the local aquifer, which has long faced water and sewer problems. Residents like Zachary Kraus warned against pulling from the "stressed aquifer," while others such as John Hall voiced frustration with AI-related developments and increased power costs. Several attendees, including Erika Knight and Valerie Ryan, also worried about light and noise pollution affecting the town's natural environment. Many were disappointed by what they perceived as a lack of transparency from the city council regarding the proposed project, which they learned about primarily through Facebook. Christina Wehman has initiated a petition against the data center, garnering nearly 750 signatures. Despite the significant opposition, some individuals like Vic Russell from the Sunriver La Pine Economic Development Board spoke in favor of the project, highlighting the potential for up to 80 jobs and asserting that water concerns are unfounded due to consistent well monitoring. Boxminer.io representative Jeff Keller clarified that the facility would be air-cooled, would not use water, and is being considered for a vacant industrial park. He also denied any impropriety regarding the project. La Pine City Manager Geoff Wullschlager and Mayor Jeannine Earls acknowledged the community's passion and confirmed that no decision has been made. The Sunriver La Pine Economic Development Board had initially recommended the proposal, and the council decided in March to move forward with the process for a potential land sale. However, officials stated that the project would still need to meet city requirements and undergo land use and building review processes by both the city and Deschutes County before any construction could begin.