Portland cracks down on data center secrecy
The Portland City Council has unanimously passed a resolution to increase transparency regarding future data center projects, specifically by preventing the city administrator from signing non-disclosure agreements. Additionally, the council plans to pursue a moratorium on large data centers that consume 20 megawatts of power or more, with potential sites identified.
The Portland City Council has taken a decisive step towards greater transparency and potential regulation of data center development within the city. The council unanimously passed a resolution aimed at increasing oversight of future data center projects.
The resolution specifically directs the city administrator to inform the council of any incoming data center requests and prohibits the signing of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) or other disclosure agreements related to these projects, effectively lifting a veil of secrecy previously surrounding such developments.
Furthermore, the council announced its intention to pursue a moratorium on large data centers that draw 20 megawatts of power or more. Several locations across the city, including Hayden Island and areas near Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), have been identified as potential sites for these power-intensive facilities.