How we reported the story about emissions from data center generators - Oregon Public Broadcasting
Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB) independently modeled the potential cumulative air pollution from a cluster of large data centers located in the Umatilla Basin. This initiative was undertaken by OPB because Oregon's regulators and policymakers have not yet conducted similar comprehensive pollution modeling for data center emissions.
Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB) has conducted and released a model of the potential cumulative air pollution stemming from a concentration of large data centers situated in the Umatilla Basin. According to OPB, this effort fills a gap, as Oregon's regulatory bodies and policymakers have not yet performed such comprehensive environmental impact assessments themselves.
The news organization detailed its methodology for the study in an article by April Ehrlich published on July 22, 2026. The report emphasizes the environmental implications for Eastern Oregon, particularly regarding climate and air quality issues associated with data center operations, specifically generator emissions.