Amazon, data centers and the race for Oregon governor - Oregon Public Broadcasting
Amazon’s expanding data center operations in Morrow and Umatilla counties have become a major issue in Oregon’s gubernatorial race. Both major-party candidates support a moratorium on new data centers, while local officials and Amazon defend the industry’s economic benefits and opponents cite electricity, water, farmland and transparency concerns.
Amazon has built a substantial data center presence in Eastern Oregon, including four facilities in Morrow County and approvals for 10 more, while also expanding in neighboring Umatilla County. The company has contributed to Oregon political campaigns, promoted its economic and environmental commitments, and announced it will stop asking public officials to sign nondisclosure agreements while pledging $1 billion nationally for communities hosting its data centers.
The company’s role has become a central issue in the 2026 Oregon governor’s race. Democratic Gov. Tina Kotek and Republican state Sen. Christine Drazan both support a temporary moratorium on new data centers, despite disagreeing over their past records and the state’s POWER Act. Amazon executive Roger Wehner argues that a moratorium would slow economic growth and that governments should negotiate with the company instead.
Opponents, including Port of Morrow Commissioner Kelly Doherty, farmer Barrett Dash and the nonprofit Oregon Rural Action, are seeking stronger limits or a moratorium in Eastern Oregon. They cite competition for water, rising electricity use, farmland conversion and Amazon’s previous use of NDAs, while Umatilla County Commissioner Dan Dorran says the company is a valuable local partner. A report cited in the article found data centers account for nearly a quarter of Oregon’s retail electricity sales.