Oregon Governor's Directive Pauses Fiber-Optic Permits for Telecoms
1 report, 1 independent
Updated Wed 00:00
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What happened
Governor Tina Kotek issued a directive barring data centers from being sited on state lands. In response, the Oregon Department of Transportation placed a hold on at least 20 state right-of-way permit applications from fiber-optic companies. Officials are currently verifying if these projects are specifically associated with data centers, as the applications involved installing buried broadband or fiber conduit along the highway shoulder.
Why it matters
The directive requires state agencies to pause approving new or pending permits for data centers on state properties. This action creates roadblocks for telecommunications companies that are building out fiber-optic cable networks along state highways.
Who's involved
- Tina KotekGovernor of Oregon who issued the directive barring data centers on state lands
- Lumen TechnologiesFiber-optic company whose permit applications were placed on hold
- Oregon Department of Environmental QualityState agency that receives executive authority from Tina Kotek regarding permit processing
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The entities involved
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Tina Kotek
Governor of Oregon since 2021
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Lumen Technologies
technology company