How One Candidate “Stepped in It” With Trade Unions While Discussing Data Centers

Data center development has become a significant and contentious issue in Oregon politics, particularly highlighted during the May 19 election cycle. Legislative candidates across the state are confronting the impact of these facilities on local communities, sparking debate over environmental concerns and economic benefits. In Washington County, House candidates Myrna Muñoz and Tammy Carpenter have joined a petition advocating for a pause on data center construction, citing the enormous water consumption required for cooling AI-producing computers. This tension is particularly acute in House District 52, which encompasses much of the Columbia River Gorge from Troutdale to The Dalles, a hub for Oregon hydropower. Google, a major player in the region, operates at least six data centers in this district. The Oregonian reported that Google's facilities in The Dalles alone consumed 550 million gallons of water last year, accounting for 40% of the city's total water usage. While several Democratic primary candidates for the open House District 52 seat, including Nick Walden Poublon, David Osborn, and Hank Sanders, have expressed support for a construction pause, their stance has created friction with trade unions. These unions, represented by the Oregon State Building and Construction Trades Council, favor the construction jobs that data center projects provide. Nick Walden Poublon, who previously lost to incumbent state Rep. Jeff Helfrich, admitted to having "stepped in it" with the unions by supporting a pause, leading the council to endorse his opponent, David Osborn. The debate underscores the complex balance between environmental sustainability, economic development, and political endorsements in the state.