Know Your Candidates 2026: Andrea Salinas, U.S. House, District 6
U.S. Rep. Andrea Salinas said Oregon communities should decide whether to permit data centers and negotiate strong benefits from developers. She proposed a 1% excise tax on data center energy use, with revenue directed to water conservation, housing and local communities.
In a KATU candidate interview, U.S. Rep. Andrea Salinas discussed data center development as part of a broader conversation about affordability and energy costs in Oregon’s 6th Congressional District. She said local governments should determine whether data centers are built and should negotiate directly with developers before granting permits.
Salinas said she has submitted legislation that would impose a 1% excise tax on data center energy consumption. She proposed using the revenue for water conservation, housing and community needs, while noting that some Oregon communities, including Salem, do not want data centers in their areas.