데이터 센터 입지 및 허가 논의가 심화되고 있으며, 인프라 필요성 대 환경·지역사회 우려 간의 상충하는 관점들이 제기되고 있다.

Oregon's data center debate intensified during Legislative Days in Salem last week, as hundreds of Oregonians rallied at the state Capitol on Tuesday demanding lawmakers pass a statewide moratorium on data center development.

Governor Kotek addressed the crowd and announced an immediate pause on all unapproved data center projects involving state-owned land, effective through July 1, 2027. The governor stated that the pause is necessary to give the state time to examine the long-term impacts these facilities have on surrounding communities. The pause may be lifted sooner if the governor or Legislature takes further action.

Data centers became a dominant topic across multiple legislative committee hearings and briefings from state agencies and task forces during the week.

The debate features two distinct camps. The Data Center Coalition, which participated in interviews regarding the issue, represents industry interests and seeks to educate the public about the sector. Opposing the expansion is 1000 Friends of Oregon, a group actively pushing back against data center growth in the state. The organization is also among the plaintiffs in a lawsuit against the city of Hillsboro and Washington County challenging tax breaks awarded to data center projects.