Photo of Data Center in The Dalles by Tony Webster
Data Centers are big news these days. The rapacious spread and negative impacts of data centers are spurring residents nationwide to rise up against these mega-developments. Concerns include escalating electricity bills, drinking water contamination, farm and natural lands displacement, stress on grid systems, negative property values and a dramatic increase in carbon emissions. Efforts are underway in many states to strengthen regulations for data centers as well as block proposed expansions and new developments. In recent days, a coalition of more than 230 environmental groups, including XRPDX, have called for a national moratorium on new data centers in the US. And a bipartisan backlash is emerging as elected officials across the country are responding to voter demands to reign in these resource hogs.
Oregon is far from immune to the data center boom as the second largest data center market in the US, behind only Virginia. Significant development has already occurred throughout Oregon with heavy concentration in Hillsboro and Eastern Oregon. To learn more, watch Rumble on the River “What’s the Deal With Data Centers?“
For a concise overview of what’s at risk in Oregon: https://www.columbiariverkeeper.org/campaigns/data-center-expansion/
For a detailed account of the corruption in Morrow County, Oregon that has led to groundwater contamination and localized health impacts, turn to this Rolling Stones article: https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-features/data-center-water-pollution-amazon-oregon1235466613/
This Guardian article focuses on the call for a national moratorium: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/dec/08/us-data-centers
Take Action:
Stop the give away of Mt Hood public lands to provide more water for more Amazon data centers: https://bark-out.org/news/stop-the-giveaway-of-mt-hood-public-lands/
Tell your state legislators and Governor to stop this corporate land grab: prime farm land to be land for data centers and the like. Another unnecessary expansion of the Urban Growth Boundary, turning farm land to industrial land, pretending it is about jobs. Say No to Corporate Land Grab
