Kotek Backs Data Center Moratorium Amid Capitol Rally

Gov. Tina Kotek said she now supports a moratorium on new data center development in Oregon, making the announcement while appearing before demonstrators outside the Oregon State Capitol in Salem on Sept. 8-9, 2026. Roughly 100 people gathered to call for a three-year pause on new data centers in the state. Kotek stated she supports a moratorium 'until we make sure that any data center development is done on our terms,' and said state lawmakers would need to pass a temporary ban when the Legislature convenes next year. Kotek had already taken action on state-owned land, instituting a pause on new data centers there that would last until July 1, 2027, or until directed otherwise by the Governor's Office or Legislature. That land-specific pause followed her earlier intervention in March to stop a data center proposed on state-owned Department of Corrections property in Salem. Kotek said the state currently lacks legal authority to enact a full statewide moratorium on its own, which is why legislative action would be required to extend any ban beyond state-owned land. As of the reporting, no legislation had been introduced or passed, since Kotek indicated action would need to wait until lawmakers convene next year. The scope, duration, and specific terms of a potential statewide moratorium remain unresolved and would depend on future legislative action. Kotek's announcement comes as she seeks reelection, and it marks her as the most prominent Democrat in Oregon state government to publicly back such a moratorium policy.