Oregon Democrats propose data center moratorium

Four United States — Oregon Democratic lawmakers and two candidates are calling for a three-year moratorium on new data centers in United States — Oregon, citing concerns over energy and water demand, farmland loss, tax fairness, and lack of transparency. The proposal will be introduced in the 2027 legislative session. This follows a series of actions: the United States — Oregon Legislative Assembly passed a one-year pause on a data center tax incentive program in March, the Hillsboro City Council passed a 120-day moratorium on new data center approvals, and Governor Tina Kotek intervened to stop a data center company from buying state property in Salem. United States — Oregon would join 15 other states that have proposed similar moratoriums, with only New York having passed one. The proposal has backing from the United States — Working Families Party, the United States — Democratic Socialists of America, and conservation groups. Industry representatives from Amazon (company), Alphabet Inc., Microsoft, and the Data Center Coalition did not respond to requests for comment, though a spokesperson warned the moratorium would signal United States — Oregon is closed for business.