Researchers Look at Environmental and Economic Effects of the Data Center Industry in Oregon
Researchers are examining the economic and environmental effects of Oregon's data center industry. The report says data centers may provide short- and medium-term economic benefits, but long-term impacts on jobs and the environment remain uncertain because peer-reviewed research and industry transparency are limited.
A study examining Oregon's data center industry separates the issue into economic and environmental impacts. ECONorthwest conducted the economic analysis, while researchers at the University of Virginia examined environmental effects.
The report notes that data centers may bring near-term economic benefits to rural communities that have struggled since the COVID-19 pandemic. However, researchers say the industry's longer-term effects on employment, resource use and the environment remain unclear, in part because there are few peer-reviewed studies and limited transparency. The findings are being presented as a useful reference for understanding data center impacts in Washington and other states, although conditions differ between states.