City of Umatilla declares state of emergency over Governor’s order pausing data center development
The City of Umatilla declared a local state of emergency after Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek ordered state agencies to pause permitting and other property actions for unapproved data center projects. The pause is expected to remain in effect through July 1, 2027, potentially causing financial losses for Umatilla.
Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek ordered state agencies on Sept. 8 to pause unapproved easements, rights-of-way, leases, rentals, land-use permits and transfers of state-owned property connected to data center projects. The pause will continue through July 1, 2027, unless Kotek or the Oregon Legislature lifts it earlier.
The City of Umatilla responded by declaring a local state of emergency, citing anticipated financial losses from the state order. Kotek’s office said the pause will allow Oregon to evaluate the long-term effects of data center development.