Resident urges Yamhill County to ban data centers, citing environmental and quality‑of‑life concerns

Maggie Bowman, a retired teacher and Yamhill County resident, used the board’s public‑comment period on June 4 to urge commissioners to adopt a permanent ban on data centers in the county.

Bowman said she has no knowledge of specific local proposals but raised broad concerns about data centers’ effects on water, power, noise, light and property values. "I'm here to ask you to plan ahead, prepare for our future, and impose a complete ban on data centers in Yamhill County," she said, adding that she received more than 500 responses after posting the question to a social media group.

Bowman cited several impacts attributed to data centers, including claims that they can place heavy demands on local power and water systems, produce continuous noise and light pollution, and affect property values. She also said some communities have sought moratoria or bans and urged the board to favor a permanent prohibition rather than a temporary moratorium.

The board did not take action on the request at the meeting. Commissioners acknowledged the concern and did not commit to specific next steps; Bowman asked only that the issue be discussed and the "ball get rolling." The meeting record contains claims about water use and public‑health effects that Bowman presented as her concerns and that were not substantiated during the hearing.

Next steps: No ordinance, moratorium or staff directive was recorded on the issue at this meeting; commissioners may place the matter on a future agenda if they choose to pursue policy options or direct staff to draft an ordinance.