Wyden, Merkley ask state data center advisory committee to consider issues raised by Oregonians
U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley wrote to Oregon's data center advisory committee, conveying constituent concerns about the rapid expansion of data centers. They urged the committee to balance economic benefits with financial impacts on utility consumers and environmental impacts, particularly concerning water usage and local infrastructure stresses.
U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley have formally addressed Oregon Governor Tina Kotek's data center advisory committee, urging them to consider a range of constituent concerns regarding the state's burgeoning data center industry. In their letter, the senators emphasized the critical need to balance the economic advantages and job creation with the potential financial strain on utility consumers and environmental impacts on communities across Oregon.
The advisory committee's mission is to develop solutions that mitigate the negative consequences of data center expansion, including high water usage and increased demands on local infrastructure. Senator Wyden, a cosponsor of the AI Environmental Impacts Act, has previously engaged tech giants like Google, Apple, Meta, and Amazon on their water consumption. He is also reportedly working on legislation to ensure data centers contribute their fair share in taxes to offset the infrastructure stresses they impose.
The senators acknowledged the importance of data centers for national security and technological advancement but reiterated the necessity of finding sustainable solutions. They expressed gratitude for the committee's inclusive approach and offered their continued partnership in crafting data center policies beneficial to Oregon.