Another local government in Oregon moves toward moratorium on data centers
Clackamas County's Board of Commissioners has unanimously voted to pursue a moratorium on data centers, responding to public concerns about environmental and utility impacts. This move aims to allow the county time to research and establish regulations for large data centers, though it requires a 45-day notice period before a public hearing.
The Clackamas County Board of Commissioners recently voted unanimously to move forward with a moratorium on data centers, making it one of several Oregon governments responding to resident outcry. Concerns raised by the public include the environmental impact and strain on utility bills.
The proposed moratorium means the county would temporarily stop accepting permit applications and approving new data center projects. However, there is a 45-day notice period required for the state before a public hearing can be held on the moratorium, which could provide a window for developers to submit applications. While the county does not anticipate a surge in applications during this period, and currently has none, the situation is subject to change.
If adopted, the moratorium would last for a minimum of 120 days, with the possibility of extension. Commissioners indicated that the intent is not to outright ban data centers, with some suggesting that smaller, less resource-intensive facilities might be acceptable. The primary goal is to gain time for research and establish "guardrails" for larger data center developments that might emerge in the future. This approach mirrors a similar action taken by Hillsboro city councilors.