Morrow County Data Center Pushback Grows in Irrigon, Oregon
Residents in Irrigon are pushing back against continued data center growth in Morrow County, citing water use, air pollution, transparency and limited local benefits. County officials and Amazon representatives held a public information event in Boardman, while Copia Power’s proposed 237-megawatt battery facility remains under county review.
Morrow County officials and Amazon representatives held an informational event in Boardman as residents in nearby Irrigon raised concerns about the region’s expanding data center industry. Farmers and neighbors questioned water consumption, air pollution, transparency and whether a community of about 2,000 people is receiving sufficient benefits from hosting 11 data centers despite lacking a grocery store.
Copia Power is seeking county approval for a 237-megawatt battery storage facility near Irrigon that would connect to a Boardman substation. Commissioner Gus Peterson said the project could help data centers reduce reliance on diesel generators, but the application remained under review. Irrigon officials are also considering a community survey on the benefits, impacts and potential regulations associated with further data center development.