Now that Kotek backs data center moratorium, her opponent — and her allies — want more

Data center opponents rally outside the Oregon State Capitol in Salem on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026. About 200 people attended the rally, where Gov. Tina Kotek called on the Legislature to impose a statewide moratorium on new data center development. (photo credit: Mark Graves)

Gov. Tina Kotek this week embraced growing calls in Oregon for a statewide moratorium on data centers, joining a rally of close to 200 industry opponents on the Capitol steps in Salem. It wasn’t enough for some of the Democratic governor’s allies, though, who want her to move faster

“I would welcome the governor calling a special session to try and get ahead of some of these companies that want to get in under the wire,” said Tammy Carpenter, a Democratic candidate for a state House seat representing Beaverton, among a half-dozen legislators and candidates who drafted a moratorium bill last month.

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