Now is your chance to speak up about the massive increase in data centers in Oregon.
By: Kate Murphy, Senior Community Organizer
Oregon is seeing an unprecedented rise in data centers, resulting in a massive increase in demand for energy, water, and land. This is a critical moment to stand up to protect Oregon’s precious natural resources.
Governor Kotek convened the Data Center Advisory Committee with the purpose of developing recommendations for a comprehensive regulatory framework to strategically pursue economic development opportunities, while ensuring utility costs, infrastructure investments, and environmental impacts remain sustainable and equitable for all residents, especially low-income and working families.
The Oregon Data Center Advisory Committee is holding monthly meetings as well as two public listening sessions, and they need to hear from you! This is an opportunity for members of the public to express their concerns and questions directly to the Committee.
Public Listening Sessions
The Oregon Data Center Advisory Committee is holding two public listening sessions.
Public Listening Session 1
April 17, 2026 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Members of the Oregon Data Center Advisory Committee will be online from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to hear public comments regarding data centers. All attendees will be given 3-5 minutes to share their thoughts on a first-come, first-served basis. Attendees do not need to stay the enter time.
Join online via WebEx (recommended)
Webinar No. 2662 125 7995
Password: Data
or join by phone: 1-650-479-3208
Access Code: 266 212 57995
Password: 3282
How to use WebEx
Public Listening Session 2:
TBA
Monthly Meetings
The Oregon Data Center Advisory Committee is holding monthly meetings that are open to the public and include an opportunity to make public comments.
Meeting 1: Economic Development and Workforce
February 27, 2026 from 9 a.m.
View recording here
Meeting 2: Water
March 27, 2026 at 9 a.m.
View recording here.
Meeting 3: Land Use
April 24, 2026 from 9:30 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.
Join online via Zoom
Meeting 4: Energy and Affordability
May 29, 2026
Time and login: TBA
Meeting 5: Other Identified Issues (Parking Lot)
June 26, 2026
Time and login: TBA
Meeting 6: Review and Final Report
July 31, 2026
Time and login: TBA
Public Comments During Monthly Meetings
The Committee will dedicate 30 minutes at the end of each meeting for public comment. The Committee co-chairs also plan to hold another listening session dedicated entirely to public comments (date TBD).
Comments during meetings should be specific to the topic area and on the State’s interests relative to that topic for each meeting. Non- or multi-topical comments will be welcomed at the general listening sessions.
Individuals wishing to participate in topical public comments must request a 2-minute time slot via email to datacenter.ac@oregon.gov.
Please include:
- Name
- Meeting Date and Topic
- A Brief Summary of Comments (that focus on the State interests in the topic).
Fifteen slots will be booked on a first-come-first-served basis and a balancing of comments received that the facilitator will announce. Priority may be given to those who have not spoken at prior meetings to assure the Committee hears many voices.
