Oregon lawmakers heard hours of arguments on Monday for and against a contentious bill aimed at attracting more tech companies in Hillsboro.

A bipartisan group of lawmakers says the state needs more industrial land – and tax incentives – to stay competitive and attract more advanced manufacturing jobs. They’re again eyeing acreage north of Hillsboro that’s been at the center of a yearslong conflict over farmland becoming industrial sites.

Land conservation watchdogs and some residents say the bill would invite tech companies and power-hungry data centers to pave over some of the best agricultural soils in the Willamette Valley.

“In my area speculators are pricing farmers out, making it nearly impossible for successful farms like mine to expand,” Hillsboro farmer Aaron Nichols said at a senate committee hearing Monday. “Should this development come to pass, it would be far worse.”

Senate Bill 1586 would expand government tax credits for semiconductor and biotech manufacturers to house research and development facilities, if they meet certain criteria.

The bill would also bring in 373 acres of rural land north of Hillsboro into the city’s urban growth boundary for advanced technology industries, and re-zone some 1,400 acres to develop for industrial use within 50 years.

Backers of the bill say Oregon is lagging behind other states on advanced manufacturing and semiconductor job growth. They say the state must do everything it can now to keep Oregon’s future economy viable.

“If we don’t figure out how to grow very modestly in this state, our future economy is going to feel that,” said state Sen. Janeen Sollman, D-Hillsboro, who has repeatedly introduced similar legislation to open up more land for industrial development in Hillsboro.

Elected officials and business leaders have long eyed this specific tract, which is directly south of U.S. Highway 26, because of its close proximity to other semiconductor manufacturing and supply chain businesses.

This is the same land Gov. Tina Kotek considered bringing into the growth boundary in 2024, through a temporary and controversial authority lawmakers granted her during that year’s legislative session.

Kotek ultimately backed off the idea after the state failed to land a federal research hub designation that would’ve brought with it more federal funds for semiconductor research and development.

Usually, expanding urban boundaries into rural farmland is a lengthy process that involves input from the public. SB 1586 would override that process.

Hillsboro Mayor Beach Pace told lawmakers at the hearing that “few sites in Oregon have been studied more thoroughly and none are more ready and better positioned to immediately help the state’s economic recovery.”

“These lands have gone through nearly 20 years of review, regional planning, legislative actions, task force work, multiple hearings and a public hearings in Hillsboro,” Pace said.

The bill would effectively undo a deal from 2014, when Hillsboro city officials agreed to reserve the land for farm purposes for five decades, while designating 1,000 acres elsewhere for industrial use.

The bill’s language would not allow “stand-alone” data centers to be built on the proposed land, unless they are an “accessory” or part of a logistics warehouse, manufacturing or technology and research facility.

The bill courts industry giants like Intel, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of computer chips, and Genentech, a biotechnology company with a 75-acre campus in Hillsboro.

Sollman said it’s not realistic for lawmakers to “say no” to data centers entirely because they are often a key component of technology industries.

“If we wanted to attract a large semiconductor or biotech company, it wouldn’t work for their business model,” she said.

But opponents are skeptical the bill would do enough to check data center development.

“There’s no limitation on the number of data centers, acreage or percentage of the land in data centers [in the bill],” said Nellie McAdams, the executive director of Oregon Agricultural Trust.

“As long as they are attached to some other facility of any other size the land surrounding it could be data centers.”

Oregon has already received roughly $1.3 billion in federal dollars for semiconductor industries and research, and it’s done so without having to expand until rural lands, McAdams said.

Land conservation groups have criticized Hillsboro for permitting data centers that they say provide few jobs across the city. An industry group’s map suggests there are about 14 data centers across the city, but because one site can include multiple buildings, there could be more. Land policy watchdogs say there are nearly 30 in Hillsboro.

Landowners unified under the Northwest Hillsboro Alliance have long lobbied elected officials in favor of development. They say the land around them is no longer appropriate for farming as more urban uses have encroached around them.

Data center industries are booming nationwide, especially as demand for artificial intelligence rises. Many environmental and conservation advocacy groups worry that could come at the cost of the environment, wildlife and the needs of local residents and businesses across Oregon, not just west of the Cascades.

In Oregon, utility watchdogs have accused power companies of shifting the long-term costs to residential customers. In The Dalles, local elected officials are laying the groundwork to pull more water from Mount Hood forest, while denying the quest for water is motivated by Google data centers expanding in the region

Legislators were unable to get through a long list of submitted public testimony for SB 1586 Monday. Most of the written testimony the bill has received comes from the opposition. Lawmakers will revisit the bill Wednesday.

With the 2025-26 Oregon high school basketball season past the midway point, we’re taking a position-by-position look at some of the best boys players in the state.

We continue our look at the top forwards in 6A. Part 2 of the list focuses on the best forwards and wings in the Three Rivers League, Central Valley Conference and Southwest Conference. (Part 1 of the list featured the standout forwards from the PIL, Metro League, Pacific Conference and Mt. Hood Conference.)

We asked every 6A coach in the state to tell us about their star players through the first half of the season. These lists were compiled based on the information provided by the coaches who chose to respond.

Think you belong on this list? Encourage your coach to respond to requests for information about the team! We will continue to add to these lists throughout the month.

(Note: North Medford coach Scott Plankenhorn and South Medford coach James Wightman declined to identify any standout players on their rosters.)

All statistics are as of mid-January. Check back soon for the poll in which we’ll ask fans to vote for which of these forwards is the best of the best. If you have a photo of a player you would like to share, email jhumburg@advancelocal.com.

BEST FORWARDS IN 6A OREGON BOYS BASKETBALL

Logan Baertsch Kovalchick, jr., Lakeridge

Baertsch Kovalchick received all-Three Rivers League honorable mention as a sophomore. He’s averaging 12 points and 4.7 rebounds per game in league play this season, and he leads the team in one of Pacers coach Jimmy Watts’ favorite categories — charges taken. “He is one of our best all-around players on the team who can score, play defense and do all of the hustle plays that keep us in games,” Watts said.

Quinton Bailey, sr., Tigard

Bailey is a first-year letterman who has been invaluable to the Tigers. “He leads the team in scoring at the midway point, and he leads the team in 3-pointers made,” Tigard coach Stu Bailey said.

London Butler, so., Sprague

Butler played on the JV team as a freshman. Now? “He is a starter and captain of the team,” Olympians coach Tyler Lewis said. Butler is averaging seven points and five rebounds per game.

Gerrit Cupp, sr., Sheldon

Cupp is averaging seven points, five rebounds and two steals per game. “He brings toughness, athleticism and elite defensive ability to our team,” Irish coach Brian Brancato said. “He is often tasked with guarding the opposing team’s best player and consistently makes a major impact on that end of the floor.” It’s all part of his team-first attitude. “He stands out as a selfless, caring teammate who will do whatever the team needs to win,” Brancato said.

Tyson Donnerberg, jr., West Linn

Donnerberg is averaging 11.4 points and six rebounds per game. “Tyson is a slasher who can get to the paint with the ball,” Lions coach Travis Myers said. “He has sneaky athleticism that shows up when he is attacking rebounds.”

Brayden Fleener, sr., South Salem

Fleener is the Saxons’ all-time leader in blocked shots. He’s averaging 2.5 per game this season, along with six points, seven rebounds and 1.5 steals. “Brayden is the backbone of our pressure package defensively,” South Salem coach Kip Ioane said. He received honorable mention all-Central Valley Conference as a junior.

Kai Holmes, sr., Sheldon

Irish coach Brian Brancato describes Holmes as “a 6-foot-6 wing who brings versatility, skill and a high basketball IQ to our lineup. He is a talented scorer who can shoot and score at all three levels, while also making a strong impact defensively with his length and instincts.” Holmes is averaging 14 points, four rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block per game. His attitude is even more impressive than his numbers, according to his coach. “He stands out as a dependable teammate and person who competes and does whatever is needed to help the team succeed,” Brancato said.

Lane Isham, jr., Sprague

“Lane was a swing player for us last season and is now a starter,” Olympians coach Tyler Lewis said. He’s averaging 10 points and five rebounds per game.

Blake Lampert, jr., West Linn

Lampert is averaging 12.5 points per game and has, in the words of Lions coach Travis Myers, “stepped up” as other starters have missed time because of injury. “He is a smooth driver of the ball and is a skilled finisher at the rim,” Myers said. “He is a long 6-foot-2 and is tough to stay in front of.”

Takeo McCrae, sr., Tualatin

McCrae joined the Timberwolves after transferring from Millennium High School in Arizona. “He is one of the best on-ball defenders and has the ability to score 15 points per game,” Tualatin coach Bubba Lemon said.

Kyle Nichols, sr., Lakeridge

Nichols can catch fire from the outside, such as when he nailed five 3-pointers to help the Pacers beat Tigard. He’s averaging 10.7 points per game. “Kyle is an extremely good shooter and helps add instant offense from beyond the arc,” Lakeridge coach Jimmy Watts said. “His ability to stretch the floor and his basketball IQ help add a huge plus to our offense anytime he is on the floor.” That’s not all. “In addition to his basketball abilities, he is the ultimate teammate that everyone respects,” Watts said.

Cameron Perry, sr., South Eugene

Perry, who received all-Southwest Conference honorable mention as a junior, is averaging 15 points and six rebounds per game while simultaneously having responsibilities in the paint and handling the ball. “Cameron is the heart of our team in a lot of ways as he is an incredibly hard worker, dedicated teammate and positive influence on everyone around him,” Axe coach George Zaninovich said. As of midseason, Perry was shooting 46 percent from 3-point range on more than 60 attempts. “He is hoping to get his shot at a local community college,” Zaninovich said.

Liam Rigney, sr., Lake Oswego

Rigney is a returning first-team all-Three Rivers League player. He is the Lakers’ leading scorer at 22.5 points per game, and he gets them in a variety of ways. “He’s one of the most talented scorers in the state,” Lake Oswego coach Tully Wagner said. “Liam is incredibly efficient from 2 at 59 percent but also knocks down 1.5 3’s per game.” He’s also the team’s leading rebounder at 7.3 per game and serves as a team captain and leader. “Liam has a ton of college interest at various levels and is trying to decide where best to play next season,” Wagner added.

Alarion Scott, jr., Oregon City

Scott made the all-Three Rivers League second team as a sophomore. He’s averaging 10 points per game this season. “Alarion is a versatile inside/outside player who is an efficient scorer and offensive rebounder,” Oregon City assistant coach Colton Sundquist said.

Ryan Skinner, sr., McNary

Skinner is averaging nine points and four rebounds per game, and he’s shooting 60 percent from the field. “Ryan is the heart and soul of our team,” Celtics coach Ryan Kirch said. “He is tough and competitive and does all the dirty work teams need to be successful.”

Jack Tycast, sr., West Linn

Tycast has been one of the Lions’ saviors with several key players sidelined. “He has been a steady presence through all the injuries,” West Linn coach Travis Myers said. “He can score inside, can knock down the 3. Able to defend multiple positions and rebound at a high level.” Tycast is averaging 13 points per game.

Brady Watts, so., Lakeridge

Watts is one of the Pacers’ tallest players at 6-foot-4. He missed eight games early in the season with an AC joint strain. “Brady is settling in and becoming the key contributor we saw during the summer and fall,” Lakeridge coach Jimmy Watts said. “He provides essential size and rebounding we were missing for much of the season.” His physical presence was vital in a win against Roosevelt, when he recorded nine rebounds. He has also had some big games on offense, such as a 15-point performance to help the Pacers beat West Linn.

Calvin Yoder, sr., South Eugene

Yoder is averaging 13 points, five rebounds and three assists per game. “Calvin is a forward with a great mid-range game and can hit threes with consistency,” Axe coach George Zaninovich said. “He is an emerging leader who has battled through injuries and continues to work as hard as anyone.” Yoder received honorable mention all-Southwest Conference as a junior.

Branson Young, so., Grants Pass

Young suffered a broken foot before his freshman season, and he played the second half of the campaign for the JV team. “We thought he would contribute this year, but he has exceeded expectations,” Cavemen coach Nate Olson said. “He has become a regular starter and key contributor.” Young is averaging nine points and five rebounds per game. “His high energy, high motor is tough for opponents to keep up with and makes him one of the best offensive rebounders in our league,” Olson said.

For complete coverage of Oregon high school sports, including schedules, scores, recruiting news and additional player spotlights, visit OregonLive’s high school sports section throughout the season.

THE DALLES, Ore. (KATU) — Two Oregon State Police troopers were hurt Monday morning in a crash involving two commercial trucks on an Interstate 84 off-ramp, The Dalles Police officials said.

The crash was reported about 7:30 a.m. at the top of I-84 on-ramp at exit 87, along Highway 197 just north of the interstate.

Initial reports state an Oregon State Police Fish & Wildlife K-9 vehicle was involved in a crash with two commercial vehicles – an unloaded log truck and a semi-truck & trailer.

Two OSP troopers and one of the commercial truck drivers were all taken to medical facilities for treatment.

The K-9 and the other truck driver were not hurt in the crash.

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Highway 197 was closed at Bret Clodfelter Way through much of the day Monday, and is expected to reopen in the evening hours.

Washington traffic heading south to Oregon was diverted to Hood River or Biggs Junction, while northbound traffic was rerouted onto Highway 30 at Exit 85.

“The investigation is ongoing and we are asking for anybody who has information regarding this crash to call us at 541-296-2613 and reference case number D26-0261,” City of The Dalles Police Department said.