• The committee is instead considering closer state-local coordination and more disclosure of tax benefits, energy use and water use
  • Kotek says Oregon lacks authority for a statewide pause and supports local moratoria before lawmakers consider new rules in 2027

The fact

Oregon's Data Center Advisory Committee is not expected to recommend a statewide moratorium. Co-chair Margaret Hoffmann said a moratorium falls outside the group's remit. Governor Tina Kotek set up the seven-member committee in January to examine land, energy, water, utility costs and economic development issues around data-centre growth. Instead, the committee is focused on closer state-local coordination and more disclosure around tax benefits, energy use and water use.

The committee is expected to publish a first draft of its findings in early or mid-September, hold a public listening session on 23 September and deliver a final report in October. On 7 August, Kotek said Oregon does not have the authority to impose a statewide moratorium and supported local pauses while the recommendations are reviewed and lawmakers consider a new framework in 2027.

The assessment

Until Oregon settles its statewide approach, data-centre projects may face different rules depending on where they are proposed. One city or county could pause new applications while another continues reviewing them, giving developers different approval timelines across the state.

That matters before an application is even filed. Developers considering a site will need to know whether the local authority is accepting data-centre proposals, what zoning rules apply and whether a moratorium is being discussed or already in place. Statewide rules may eventually make that process more consistent, but local decisions will shape projects first. For BTW readers, Oregon’s data-centre pipeline could move at different speeds across the state before lawmakers act in 2027. The clearest evidence will be where applications continue to advance and where local pauses put them on hold.

What to watch

The committee’s September draft and 23 September listening session should give a clearer sense of how Oregon plans to split responsibilities between state and local governments. The October report, along with any new local moratoria, will show how much authority remains with individual jurisdictions before lawmakers take up the issue in 2027.