As communities across our region—and our state—debate the future of data center development, some groups are calling for moratoriums on new projects. While concerns about energy, water, land use, and community impacts are valid, it is important to recognize that a pause does not have to mean a stop. Instead, local jurisdictions can use the opportunity to develop a thoughtful plan that supports both community priorities and economic growth.

Getting data center development right starts with meaningful engagement. Local governments have the ability to negotiate strong community benefits, establish best-practice environmental standards, and create clear expectations for responsible development. By bringing together residents, industry leaders, utilities, and policymakers, communities can ensure that future projects reflect both local needs and Oregon values.

Data centers are often associated with artificial intelligence and large technology companies, but their importance extends far beyond the tech sector. They provide the digital infrastructure that supports banking, electronic health records, remote work, education, public services, and healthcare delivery, including Medicaid and Medicare benefits. In today's economy, reliable data infrastructure is as essential as roads, power, and telecommunications.

The economic impact of a data center also reaches well beyond the people employed within the facility. Construction and operations create demand for local contractors, skilled trades, engineers, suppliers, and service providers. These investments generate a multiplier effect that benefits the broader regional economy and helps attract future business growth.

It is also important to recognize that the demand for data centers is not going away. If our region - or our state - chooses not to accommodate this growth in a responsible manner, these facilities will be built elsewhere. Many competing states have lower environmental standards, weaker worker protections and care less about delivering meaningful community benefits. The choice is not between development and no development—it is whether that development occurs under Oregon’s high standards or in places with far less accountability.

Rather than pursuing indefinite restrictions, communities should consider a short pause focused on education, stakeholder engagement, and planning. Such an approach would allow jurisdictions to develop clear policies, identify community benefits, and establish environmental safeguards while maintaining opportunities for future investment.

Oregon has a long tradition of balancing economic opportunity with environmental stewardship. By taking a deliberate and collaborative approach, communities can become national leaders in responsible data center siting—demonstrating that economic growth, worker protections, environmental responsibility, and meaningful community engagement can go hand in hand.