Oregon is experiencing unprecedented demand from large-scale energy users including data centers and artificial intelligence, creating a need to establish clear siting criteria and assessment protocols before further development occurs across our state's landscape. Proactive planning in partnership with local governments is essential to protect Oregon's iconic forests and farmlands, sustain thriving local economies, and preserve affordability for all Oregonians.
Governor Kotek convened the Data Center Advisory Committee to develop recommendations for a comprehensive regulatory framework to strategically pursue economic development opportunities, in line with the work of the Governor's Prosperity Roadmap, while ensuring utility costs, infrastructure investments, and environmental impacts remain sustainable and equitable for all residents, especially low-income and working families.
Committee Members
Margaret Hoffman, Northwest Power and Conservation Council
| Co-Chair
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Michael Jung, Energy and Climate Policy Professional
| Co-Chair
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Dan Dorran, Commission Chair, Umatilla County
| Member
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Greg Dotson, Associate Professor, University of Oregon
| Member
|
Bill Edmonds, Adjunct Professor, University of Portland
| Member
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Tim Miller, Director, Oregon Business for Climate
| Member
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Jean Wilson, Operating Partner, Sandbrook Capital
| Member
|
Committee Meetings
Meeting 6: Review and Refine Final Report
July 31, 2026
Location/log-in TBD
| TBD
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Meeting 5: Other Identified Issues (Parking Lot)
June 26, 2026
Location/log-in TBD
| TBD
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Meeting 4: Energy and Affordability
May 29, 2026
Location/log-in TBD
| TBD
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Meeting 3: Land Use
April 24, 2026
Location/log-in TBD
| TBD
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Meeting 2: Water
March 27, 2026 | 9 a.m.
Held online via Zoom
| |
Meeting 1: Economic Development and Workforce
February 27, 2026 | 9 a.m. - 2:35 p.m.
Held online via Zoom
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Public Comments
The committee will dedicate 30 minutes at the end of each meeting for public comment. The Committee co-chairs also plan to hold listening sessions dedicated entirely to public comments (dates 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).
15 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.