Palo approves data center ordinance
The Palo City Council unanimously approved a data center ordinance despite significant public opposition. This ordinance, which passed its first reading, does not include a water usage study or an incentive package, in contrast to a previous Linn County ordinance that led Google to halt discussions.
The Palo City Council held a packed meeting where residents expressed strong opposition to a proposed Google data center. Despite critics, the City Council members unanimously voted to approve a data center ordinance, which passed its first reading.
The ordinance approved is the same as recommended by the Palo Planning and Zoning Commission. It notably does not require a water usage study for the data center or include an incentive package detailing potential revenue for Palo. This contrasts with Linn County's data center ordinance, which includes rules about water usage and monitoring, and after which Google ended talks with the county.
The proposed Google data center would be located just outside current city limits, with plans to annex the property into Palo. Concerns were raised about the project's proximity to a nuclear power plant that is in the process of restarting and the necessity of a water study. If the remaining two votes on the data center rules proceed similarly, Google will only be required to follow state water rules.