Why are Salem residents protesting against Verrus’ data center?

Locals fear the project will strain infrastructure, harm the environment, and drive up electricity costs. Broader opposition stems from growing concerns over the region’s expanding data center footprint.

How did authorities respond to the protests?

Salem enacted a one-year moratorium on new data centers, and the governor canceled the land sale for the project. However, Verrus’ application may still be reviewed as it was submitted before the restrictions took effect.

What measures has Oregon taken to regulate data center energy consumption?

The state requires major energy consumers, including data centers, to fund grid modernization, reducing household electricity rates by 1.3%. Despite this, tensions around such projects remain unresolved.

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Protests Against AI Data Center in the US: Developer Evacuated Under Police Escort

August 7, 2026

Photo: Tom's Hardware

Quick answer

Protests against Verrus’ AI data center in Salem, Oregon, escalated into a conflict, forcing company representatives to evacuate under police protection.

Public hearings in Salem, Oregon, turned chaotic as locals fiercely opposed Verrus’ $5.1 billion Oakline at Mill Creek data center project. Protesters escalated beyond rhetoric, staging symbolic acts like displaying a guillotine outside city hall.

The six-hour debate grew tense when Verrus representatives faced aggressive opposition. According to company spokesperson JP Newmann, a group of opponents surrounded Verrus staff during a break, hurling insults. The situation forced the company to leave the event under police escort, as further presence was deemed unsafe.

A week after the incident, Salem’s administration announced a one-year moratorium on new data centers to reassess zoning rules. However, Verrus’ project may avoid suspension, as its application was submitted three days before the restrictions took effect. Still, Governor Tina Kotek canceled the sale of 32 acres of land designated for the project, compelling the company to reconsider its plans.

Oregon has become one of the first U.S. states to mandate that large energy consumers, including data centers, cover most grid modernization costs. This move reduced household electricity rates by 1.3%, yet failed to ease tensions surrounding such projects. The approval process for Oakline at Mill Creek remains ongoing, with no final decision yet reached.

Common questions

Why are Salem residents protesting against Verrus’ data center?: Locals fear the project will strain infrastructure, harm the environment, and drive up electricity costs. Broader opposition stems from growing concerns over the region’s expanding data center footprint.
How did authorities respond to the protests?: Salem enacted a one-year moratorium on new data centers, and the governor canceled the land sale for the project. However, Verrus’ application may still be reviewed as it was submitted before the restrictions took effect.
What measures has Oregon taken to regulate data center energy consumption?: The state requires major energy consumers, including data centers, to fund grid modernization, reducing household electricity rates by 1.3%. Despite this, tensions around such projects remain unresolved.

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