Washington County Passes Data Center Resolution
Washington County commissioners approved a resolution opposing large-scale standalone data centers and financial incentives for them in the county's unincorporated areas. The resolution also supports locally imposed moratoriums where needed, although the county does not currently have data center applications or enough suitable undeveloped industrial land to justify its own moratorium.
Washington County commissioners approved a resolution outlining the county's position against large-scale standalone data centers and incentives intended to attract them to unincorporated areas. The measure directs staff to consider adding data center policy work to the 2027-2029 planning program and acknowledges concerns about environmental impacts and higher electricity costs.
The county chose not to impose a moratorium because it has no standalone data centers or pending applications, and county staff identified only eight qualifying industrial parcels, all of which are already developed. The resolution supports moratoriums in jurisdictions where development pressure warrants a regulatory pause, while Oregon prepares broader policy recommendations through the Oregon Data Center Advisory Committee.
The action comes amid data center restrictions elsewhere in Oregon, including Hillsboro's permanent regulations and a temporary moratorium approved by the Clackamas County Board of Commissioners. Governor Tina Kotek has paused environmental permits for data center construction or expansion while the state evaluates future policy, and Amazon reportedly canceled planned Hermiston developments after a local moratorium was announced.