Oregon seeks input on data center rules
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Oregon is preparing to lay out new rules for data centers, and regulators want to hear from you on how the power-hungry facilities should be managed.
Why it matters: Data centers are proliferating across Oregon — particularly around Hillsboro and in eastern Oregon — raising concerns about their demand for electricity, land and water.
- The facilities have also become a stand-in for growing anxiety over the spread of AI.
Driving the news: Gov. Tina Kotek's Data Center Advisory Committee released its preliminary findings this month after nine months of study.
- The report doesn't offer any policy recommendations. It asks the public to weigh in on a number of questions.
- The committee plans to deliver final recommendations to Kotek by the end of December.
Oregonians can submit comments on data centers here through Oct. 24.
By the numbers: Oregon had roughly 123 active data centers in 2025, up from eight in 2000, according to the committee.
- Another roughly 9,000 acres are proposed for data center development, including 6,500 acres that would require urban growth boundary expansions or changes to rural land-use designations.
Yes, but: Most of the data centers in Oregon are used for mundane internet activities like payment processing, streaming and cloud computing, per the report.
- The committee said, "It heard no indication of data centers exclusively dedicated to training Artificial Intelligence (AI) Large Language Models (LLMs) operating in Oregon today."
What they found: Electricity affordability has emerged as the public's biggest concern, accounting for nearly 39% of comments received so far.
- The committee said existing protections appear to be shielding customers from costs directly caused by data centers, but growing demand could still increase the cost of procuring additional electricity.
- Data center water use is relatively small statewide, but the impacts can be significant in individual communities, particularly during periods of peak summer demand.
Between the lines: Public comments submitted to the committee so far were overwhelmingly negative: About 90% of more than 700 opposed continued or expanded data center development.
- About 70% of all comments were nearly identical form letters, mostly from the Portland area, per the report.
What we're watching: Data center development has recently become a flashpoint in Oregon's gubernatorial campaign, with Kotek and her opponent, State Sen. Christine Drazan, each accusing the other of being too friendly to the facilities.