Eugene rejects data center proposal at former Hynix site due to zoning
The City of Eugene rejected a proposal for a data center at the former Hynix site, citing zoning violations and environmental concerns. Meanwhile, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek issued an order pausing new data center projects on state land, amidst calls for a broader statewide moratorium due to environmental and energy impacts.
The City of Eugene has rejected a prospective buyer's request to build a data center at the former Hynix plant site in West Eugene. The city's decision, issued on September 8th, states that the proposed data center is prohibited under the site's E-1, or Campus Employment, zoning laws, citing concerns over noise, emissions, and other environmental impacts. This decision is fueling a larger debate within the city regarding data centers, job creation, and development, with the City Council set to hold a work session on data centers on December 14th.
Simultaneously, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has issued an order pausing new data center projects on state land, directing state agencies not to move forward with unapproved land sales and permits related to these developments. This move comes amidst protests at the State Capitol in Salem, with calls for a broader statewide moratorium on new data center construction. Opponents, including water and energy officials, express concerns about potential water usage and the growing demand data centers place on the state's power grid. However, others fear a moratorium could impact union construction jobs.
Governor Kotek and State Senator Christine Drazan both support a statewide moratorium but disagree on the governor's current authority to implement such a comprehensive pause. Kotek's office maintains that she lacks the authority under current Oregon law to halt projects on private land, limiting her order to state-owned properties until next July. Public sentiment, as indicated by an online poll, shows significant opposition to data centers in local communities.