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Planning commission backs 12‑month moratorium on new data centers to study impacts
Summary
After staff described infrastructure, water and noise concerns and noting seven written correspondences, the planning commission voted to recommend a 12‑month moratorium on new data center applications while staff researches ordinance changes and coordinates with nearby jurisdictions.
Planning staff asked the commission to recommend a 12‑month moratorium on acceptance, review, and approval of applications for any new data center facilities within Pendleton to allow staff time to study regulatory options, evaluate infrastructure needs, and draft potential UDO amendments. "The purpose of this moratorium, is to provide sufficient time for staff, the planning commission, the town officials to evaluate applicable regulations, research best practices, assess potential impacts, and develop any amendments to UDO as deemed appropriate and necessary to ensure any future data center development is compatible with the town's long term planning goals and public interest," staff said.
Staff said the town had received seven letters of correspondence on the topic and that nearby jurisdictions and the county were pursuing or considering similar temporary restrictions. Commissioners asked staff to conduct ordinance research, convene workshops (similar to work done on solar farm rules), and coordinate with neighboring jurisdictions. Staff said the county and some nearby towns have enacted or are considering six‑to‑12‑month moratoria or full ordinances and that cooperative review would be part of the effort.
Commissioners expressed specific concern about water supply and discharge tied to hyperscale facilities: staff noted the proposed area is near the town's aquifer and Ingalls well field and said water use, closed vs. open cooling systems, and discharge to downstream waters will be evaluated during the moratorium. After public comment, Commissioner Brad moved to approve the planning department's recommendation for a 12‑month moratorium and the commission voted in favor, forwarding the recommendation to the town council.
The moratorium recommendation gives staff time to analyze utility and environmental impacts, hold workshops, and draft potential ordinance language for future commission and council consideration.
