Oregon Lawmakers Propose Three-Year Data Center Moratorium

Jeff Golden and three other Democratic lawmakers—State Senator Courtney Neron Misslin and State Representatives Lesly Muñoz and Farrah Chaichi—plan to propose a three-year moratorium on new data centers during the 2027 legislative session. The proposal aims to address public concerns over energy and water demand, the loss of farmland, tax fairness, and industry transparency.

The effort has gained support from Democratic primary winners Tammy Carpenter and Myrna Muñoz, as well as the Oregon Working Families Party and the Democratic Socialists of America. This legislative push follows a 120-day moratorium recently passed by the Hillsboro City Council.

Governor Tina Kotek has also taken action by intervening to block a data center company from purchasing state property in Salem. Kotek established an advisory committee to develop policy recommendations, with a draft report expected by mid-September.