Oregon
Oregon lawmakers advance one-year moratorium on tax breaks for data centers
Written by Alma McCarty & KGW:
SALEM, Oregon — In the final week of Oregon’s legislative short session, lawmakers in Salem discussed regulating data centers — specifically, placing a one-year moratorium on certain tax breaks.
Governor Tina Kotek has been looking to expand the state’s enterprise zone program, which is intended to grow Oregon companies and attract new ones. Businesses that locate or expand within designated zones can qualify for property tax exemptions on new investments if they meet eligibility requirements.
However, some advocates argue that extending incentives to data centers may not be sustainable long term.
“Data centers have been around for a while,” said Kelly Campbell, policy director for Columbia Riverkeeper. “Data centers are getting bigger and bigger. Some of these new AI hyperscale data centers are exponentially bigger than those tiny ones. They’re really just using a lot of energy, a lot of water.”
However, some advocates argue that extending incentives to data centers may not be sustainable long term.
“Data centers have been around for a while,” said Kelly Campbell, policy director for Columbia Riverkeeper. “Data centers are getting bigger and bigger. Some of these new AI hyperscale data centers are exponentially bigger than those tiny ones. They’re really just using a lot of energy, a lot of water.”
Last week, Columbia Riverkeeper released a report examining data centers operating or planned along the Columbia River in Oregon and Washington.
“I think the question becomes, do we want to stick to our climate goals of getting to 100% renewable? Or do we want to have these big, mega data centers owned by big tech companies — some of the wealthiest corporations in the world — getting to use whatever energy they want? We would say, no, that’s not OK,” Campbell said.
On Monday, lawmakers amended an economic incentives bill to block new data centers from qualifying for certain tax breaks for one year.
“I think this moratorium is a pretty short pause to give the advisory council time and space to do their work,” said Rep. Nancy Nathanson, D-Eugene, during a subcommittee meeting Monday morning.
The Data Center Advisory Committee, convened by Kotek, held its first meeting Friday. The group’s goal is to develop policy recommendations addressing the rapid growth of data centers.
“There are some businesses that will need them, but freestanding data centers, the way we’ve been growing in the state, is not sustainable,” the Governor told reporters during a press conference last week.
On Monday, her office sent KGW a statement regarding the moratorium:
“The moratorium will address immediate concerns and also allow for the Governor’s Data Center Advisory Committee to develop recommendations to strategically pursue economic development opportunities while ensuring utility costs, infrastructure investments, and environmental impacts remain sustainable and equitable for all residents.”
Supporters of data center growth, particularly in rural communities, also spoke during work sessions.
“This moratorium will have a disparate impact on communities east of the Cascades — communities like Prineville, Hermiston and Redmond that have leveraged enterprise zones and data centers to bring hundreds of living-wage jobs to their communities,” said Alexandra Ring, a lobbyist for the League of Oregon Cities.
“While data centers may be seen as a nuisance or inconvenient in Washington County, they are not in Crook County. They are not in Morrow County, in Umatilla County,” said Sen. Mark McLane, who represents several Eastern Oregon counties, including Baker, Crook, Grant and Harney.
Even if the House and Senate ultimately approve the moratorium, it would apply only to new data centers — not those that already receive tax breaks or projects currently underway.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Two people were arrested Tuesday on prostitution charges after search warrants were served on both a spa and home in Newport, authorities said.
According to Newport police, the investigation into Amazing Lotus Spa began in March after they learned it was advertising on a prostitution/adult escort website, as well as “alluding to commercial sex acts being offered at the spa.”
During the investigation, officers surveilled the business, and “observed activity inconsistent with the normal business patterns of legitimate massage establishments,” police said.
This led to the obtaining and execution of a search warrant on both the spa and a home located in the 800 block of Northeast Avery Street.
At the spa, investigators found evidence indicating they were operating without a license, police said.
At the 8th Street home, they found large quantities of cash, as well as “evidence related to services allegedly being offered at the spa beyond unlicensed massage activity,” officials said.
Both 63-year-old Jia Hui and 67-year-old Bing Li were arrested and lodged at the Lincoln County Jail on charges of prostitution and practicing of massage without a massage therapist license.
The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact Newport police.
SALEM, Ore. (KATU) — As Oregon approaches the summer months, Governor Tina Kotek and other state agency leaders are preparing for wildfire season.
On Tuesday morning, Gov. Kotek joined the Oregon State Fire Marshal, the heads of departments like forestry and emergency management, and public utility spokespeople to discuss the 2026 wildfire season.
They will also be taking questions from reporters – you can watch the full press conference here:
The governor and departments that fight wildfires also gave a tour of the equipment they use in the field when battling blazes across the state.
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This is a developing story; updates will be posted as information comes in.
PORTLAND Ore. (KPTV) – A major fundraiser to support local shelter animals is coming up this weekend. Oregon Humane’s Doggie Dash 2026 helps pet families across the state.
Despite the name, this year’s event is going to the cats.
“Doggie Dash is one our biggest fundraisers we do,” said Dr. Steve Kochis, chief medical officer at Oregon Humane. “Sometimes we do see some cats at the event that are on a harness in a carrier or in a backpack. While we do have Doggie Dash as the name, we are Oregon Humane and still raise money for all the pets we help.”
Access to veterinary care
With Portland’s Doggie Dash right around the corner, Kochis wants people to be aware of some of the bigger issues Oregon Humane is trying to tackle.
“It’s been an ongoing struggle with access to services, access to veterinary care, and with that comes lack of access to spay and neuter services,” Kochis said. “And then it doesn’t take long for cats to reproduce and overpopulate.”
Kelly Bremken, a veterinary social worker at Oregon Humane, said a recent case in Marion County illustrates the problem.
“Recently in Marion County there was a family who had cats they loved very much, but without access to affordable spay and neuter in their area they became overrun with cats,” Bremken said.
Oregon Humane took in 35 cats from that home, including one named Snotty Pippins after the veterinary team had to clean out his sinuses.
Connecting people and pets to resources
Bremken’s job as veterinary social worker is to find the intersection between the help people need and their pets on cases like this one.
“We really think improving the life of the person can improve the life of the pet,” Bremken said. “We want that for everybody.”
Events like Doggie Dash make sure Bremken can continue to connect community members to the resources they need for their pets.
“We want folks to know they can call on us, get assistance, and we are there for the long haul,” Bremken said.
Oregon Humane’s Doggie Dash is one of the largest gatherings of pets and people on the West Coast. Registration is $25. Doggie Dash Portland takes place Saturday, May 9, at Tom McCall Waterfront Park. A Salem event is scheduled for Saturday, June 6.
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