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 during the public comment period.

Meeting 5: Data Centers, Affordability, and Taxation
June 26, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Join online via Zoom.

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.​​

Learn about more opportunities to get involved with public engagement on data centers in Oregon.