Clackamas County approves data center moratorium
The Clackamas County Board of Commissioners approved an immediate 120-day moratorium on data center development after public hearings. County officials said the pause will allow staff to study potential impacts on water resources, utility costs and existing farming and nursery industries, and to consider future regulations.
The Clackamas County Board of Commissioners approved a 120-day moratorium on data center development following public hearings held Oct. 21-22. The moratorium took effect immediately and is intended to give county staff time to evaluate potential impacts and develop appropriate regulations before new projects are proposed.
Commissioners Martha Schrader and Paul Savas cited uncertainty surrounding rapidly advancing technology, along with concerns about water consumption, electricity costs and potential effects on the county’s farming and nursery industries. County staff said data centers could currently be allowed in several industrial and business park zones, although no company has submitted a proposal.