Kotek’s push against data centers unlikely to slow expansion in Eastern Oregon, local officials say - Oregon Public Broadcasting

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has announced her support for a statewide moratorium on new data center construction and issued an executive order halting new developments on state-owned land, hardening her stance in an election year. This move comes in response to growing public concern over data center tax breaks, escalating power costs, and environmental trade-offs.

Kotek delivered the news at an anti-data center protest in Salem, urging state lawmakers to take further action. However, local officials in Morrow County, a major hub for data centers in Eastern Oregon, argue that the governor's announcements are unlikely to slow projects already planned on private property. David Sykes, chair of the Morrow County Board of Commissioners, emphasized that decisions regarding private land development should remain at the county level.

Amazon, a dominant player in the region's data center market with over 50 facilities in Morrow and Umatilla counties, is currently proceeding with another data center project near Boardman. Company representatives, including Courtney Lee, a senior manager for state and local policy at Amazon Web Services, defended the industry at a House Interim Committee on Climate, Energy, and Environment hearing, highlighting their investments in rural communities and efforts to address environmental concerns like water use and renewable energy.

Despite Amazon's defense, former Morrow County Commissioner Jim Doherty, a prominent critic, dismissed the company's community investment efforts in light of tax breaks and raised concerns about water use exacerbating the region's nitrate crisis and potential diesel generator pollution. Kotek previously signed a bill pausing state tax breaks for data centers earlier this year, signaling a broader regulatory shift.