Portland Council to vote on secret data center deals
The Portland City Council is set to vote on a measure to ban secret non-disclosure agreements with data center developers, amidst growing concerns over the environmental impact and strain on power and water resources. The council also plans to explore a moratorium on large-scale data center development, following a directive from Governor Kotek to pause all state land sales for data centers.
The Portland City Council is moving to increase transparency in data center development by voting on a measure to block secret non-disclosure agreements with developers. This action is driven by growing public backlash concerning the massive amounts of water and electricity consumed by these facilities, which are reportedly straining the power grid and raising utility bills.
Speakers emphasized that secrecy erodes public trust, especially for an industry impacting essential resources like drinking water, electricity, and air quality. The proposed resolution would require city officials to notify council members if a developer plans a facility drawing 20 megawatts or more. The council also intends to explore a moratorium on large-scale data center development in the near future.
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has already directed state agencies to pause all land sales for data centers. The Governor's directive highlights the need to study the strain these facilities place on the power grid and the potential impact on utility payer bills before further development proceeds.