Oregon Gov. Kotek calls for immediate pause on data center requests for state-owned land

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek announced an immediate pause on all unapproved requests for new data center projects involving state-owned property during a rally in Salem. This directive specifically impacted a data center being developed in Salem, where state land was initially involved, prompting the Governor to halt that land sale. Kotek directly contrasted Oregon's stance with views expressed by former President Trump regarding the fast-tracking of data centers, stating, "not in Oregon and not on my watch."

The Governor further detailed legislative actions already taken, including the passage of the "Power Act" last year, which requires data centers to pay a fair share for energy use—a law she described as the first of its kind in the country. She also mentioned signing a law this year that implemented a one-year moratorium on certain tax breaks utilized by local governments for data centers. Kotek underscored that "Oregon cannot be a cheap date for data centers" and urged the legislature to enact further protective measures next year.

Addressing the assembled community, Governor Kotek emphasized that Oregonians deserve a voice in data center development, and companies must be held accountable for their impacts on communities, clean air, water, and utility rates. The rally also featured local activists, including the "Portland Raging Grannies," who performed a song expressing concerns about environmental degradation, resource consumption, and the impact of artificial intelligence on carbon budgets, calling for legislators to slow down data center expansion.