Gov. Tina Kotek says she now supports a data center moratorium

People gather in front of the Oregon State Capitol, advocating for a statewide data center moratorium, in Salem, Ore., Sept. 8, 2026. (photo credit: Eli Imadali / OPB)

Gov. Tina Kotek said Tuesday she now supports a statewide moratorium on new data centers.

In a significant escalation of her position on an issue that is prompting voter outrage around the country, Kotek appeared at an anti-data center rally outside the Capitol building in Salem, lending her support to calls for lawmakers to pass a temporary data center ban when they convene next year.

“I support a moratorium until we make sure that any data center development is done on our terms,” she said at the event. “We must protect Oregon.”

The announcement makes Kotek the most prominent Democrat in state government to call for a sweeping policy barring data centers. And it signals the governor is abandoning her cautious approach on the issue as she seeks reelection this year.

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