Petition filed to increase transparency and control over data centers in La Pine

LA PINE, Ore. (KTVZ) -- An initiative petition has been filed in La Pine, Ore., to establish noise and lighting standards for data centers operating within the city. The measure also requires annual public reporting of electricity usage, water usage, generator runtime and the number of employees.

This initiative seeks to reduce nuisance impacts that data centers have on surrounding communities and provide residents with greater transparency regarding resource consumption.

The measure establishes standards designed to help protect community livability and preserve La Pine's dark skies. It addresses impacts residents identified as their primary concerns, including noise, light pollution and transparency regarding resource consumption.

Broader questions regarding land use, bans or moratoriums may require future action.

The measure was prompted by strong community opposition to a previously proposed data center project. In May, members of South County Collective Action identified the proposal on a La Pine City Council agenda. They helped organize an initial response, which quickly grew into a community-wide effort that mobilized hundreds of residents to attend two City Council meetings and express their opposition. The City Council ultimately voted against moving forward with the project.

Signature gathering is expected to begin soon. Organizers intend to qualify the measure for the November ballot.