Salem calls special meeting to consider moratorium on AI data centers

The Salem City Council will hold a special meeting on August 3 to discuss implementing a moratorium on AI data centers and amending zoning codes for their regulation. This decision follows a highly attended public meeting on July 27, where hundreds of residents voiced strong opposition to Verrus's proposed $5.1 billion Oakline at Mill Creek data center.

Verrus had announced its project on 75 acres of industrial land in southeast Salem after a non-disclosure agreement with the city was lifted. Despite company assurances that the data center would be quieter, use less energy, and have significantly lower water consumption, residents held signs protesting environmental impacts and resource strain. The atmosphere became confrontational, leading Verrus representatives to leave the meeting over safety concerns.

Salem City Manager Krishna Namburi and Community Planning and Development Director Kristin Retherford emphasized that the project is not finalized and the city's role is to follow established land-use and permitting processes. While current zoning allows data centers in the Mill Creek Corporate Center, the council will now consider changes. The incident mirrors a recent development in Hillsboro, Oregon, where a four-month moratorium on new data centers was unanimously approved due to public outcry.

City officials noted the project is projected to create 75 permanent jobs and generate substantial revenue for Salem. Verrus remains committed to open dialogue and believes its data center design can meet any new standards that emerge from the city's regulatory review.