We know what Amazon says about the proposed data center. They say it won’t impact our water quality. They say it won’t increase our electricity bills. They say it won't increase fire risk.

But is that true?

So far, all of the environmental impact information has come directly from Amazon. Their FAQ document cited an “independent” study that, after one Google search, we discovered was paid for by Amazon itself. Do you trust that to be impartial?

There are so many questions surrounding this project. How much power will be used? What will be the source of that power? Will it cause our power bills to go up? Whose land will be used to deliver the power? Will local wildlife be affected? How will the Columbia River water be treated? What crops will be grown on this agricultural land after getting data center wastewater?

Right now, every answer to that question is coming directly from Amazon. We are being asked to take them at their word, without verification from outside sources.

An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is an impartial review, paid for by Amazon, not by taxpayers. An EIS provides “opportunities for the public, local, state and federal agencies, and tribal governments to participate in developing and analyzing information.” It provides the necessary information for our representatives, our County Commissioners, to decide if this is a good decision for our community, now and in the future.

Amazon was fined in 2024 by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality for failing to collect required monitoring data in Hermiston. This year, they were fined over $800,000 for illegally selling recharge cans containing prohibited hydrofluorocarbons.

Do you trust a multi-national, billionaire-run corporation to have your best interests at heart? We don’t.

Send a letter to your county commissioners: Before we sign on to this deal, we need more information. Urge them to direct the Office of Community Development to ensure a complete Environmental Impact Study is done for this project.