Oregon governor backs local moratoriums on data center development

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has voiced support for local moratoriums on data center development, indicating her stance on August 7th. This endorsement comes as her administration's Oregon Data Center Advisory Committee continues its work, with findings expected before the state legislature considers new statutory frameworks in 2027. Governor Kotek emphasized that the state currently lacks the authority to impose a statewide moratorium but believes local governments are "doing the right thing in calling for a pause."

This announcement follows specific actions by several Oregon cities. On August 3rd, the Salem City Council approved a temporary moratorium on data center construction after receiving extensive public testimony, largely in opposition to a proposed Verrus development in southeast Salem. Days prior, Governor Kotek had directed the Department of Administrative Services to cancel the sale of 32 acres at Mill Creek Corporate Center, land eyed by California-based Verrus for its data center project. However, Verrus CEO Nelson Abramson had already filed a land use application, which city staff indicated would generally be reviewed under existing rules.

The City of Woodburn has also initiated steps towards a moratorium, filing a 45-day notice with the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development after learning of Verrus's potential interest in development there. Hillsboro was the first Oregon city to enact such a moratorium on July 27th, despite historically welcoming numerous data center projects. State Representative Lesly Muñoz (D-Woodburn) has committed to working on legislative concepts for a potential statewide moratorium, reflecting the growing sentiment for more comprehensive state-level oversight.