Proposed data center in Salem stalled - Oregon Public Broadcasting

The Salem City Council has unanimously initiated the process to adopt a data center moratorium, directly affecting a proposed facility by Verrus. This decision comes after Oregon Governor Tina Kotek canceled the sale of state-owned land to Verrus, land that the company intended to use for its data center project. Governor Kotek released a statement emphasizing her responsibility to ensure state actions align with Oregon's values, balancing economic growth and new investments in technology with community interests, infrastructure, and natural resource protection.

Verrus CEO Nelson Abramson contends that his company's data centers are distinct, designed to benefit the community, support existing infrastructure, and protect natural resources. Abramson highlighted Verrus's model, which uses batteries and "power orchestration technology" for backup power, contrasting it with traditional data centers that often rely on diesel generators, such as an Amazon facility in Boardman, Oregon. Additionally, Governor Kotek has established a task force specifically tasked with developing comprehensive statewide regulations for data center facilities throughout Oregon.