Hillsboro enacts data center moratorium
The city of Hillsboro, Oregon, has enacted a 120-day moratorium on new data center land use applications to research their economic and environmental impacts and develop new regulations. The decision stems from resident concerns over heat, noise, and water usage, though some argue data centers are critical infrastructure. The city council can extend the moratorium if progress is demonstrated.
The city of Hillsboro, Oregon, has implemented an immediate 120-day moratorium on new land use applications for data centers and battery energy storage system developments where these are the primary uses. This means that applications submitted before the moratorium began on Monday can proceed, but no new ones will be accepted or approved during this period.
City leaders stated the purpose of the pause is to allow for further research into the economic and environmental impacts of such facilities and to develop new regulations. Supporters of the moratorium emphasized environmental concerns, including heat and noise emissions, and water usage.
Conversely, opponents argued that data centers are vital infrastructure, providing jobs and benefits to the community. The city council retains the option to extend the moratorium for an additional six months after the initial 120 days, provided they can demonstrate ongoing progress in their research and regulatory development.