Editors Note: The Hillsboro Herald is excited to welcome aboard local journalist Ben Vandehey (Glencoe 2020) who will be writing for our readers on a wide variety of topics. Ben is going into his Junior year at esteemed Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington. We could not be more excited to have a young local voice joining our ranks.
Ben Vandehey – Reporter – Hillsboro Herald
The Peoples Paper – Local News That Matters
The City Applauds Intel’s Efforts Toward Sustainability and Innovation
On May 19, Intel announced its plan to invest $700 million into a facility on their Jones Farm Campus to promote data center innovation and sustainability.
Shortly after, the city of Hillsboro issued an announcement of their own, reiterating the conscious efforts of the company and declaring the importance of this implementation to the community.
‘It’s a Great Day to Be in Hillsboro’: Reaction to Intel’s $700 Million ‘Mega Lab’ Investment | News & Announcements
“It’s a great day to be in Hillsboro, Oregon,” city mayor Steve Callaway said.
Intel’s investment “exemplifies the importance of the State Semiconductor Taskforce in ensuring that Oregon is positioned to lead on climate technology and semiconductor innovation well into the future,” he added.
Hillsboro’s tech sector was initially vitalized with the establishment of Intel’s Ronler Acres Campus in 2003. Since then, the installation of 15 total data centers has cemented the city as a focal point for semiconductor innovation.
The various consequences of data centers have been a longstanding interest of the Hillsboro Herald. In a previous article, Dirk Knudsen discusses data centers’ presence in Hillsboro and their accompanying effects on the community.
Intel’s “mega lab” investment will supposedly subside some of these harmful effects, particularly those relating to resource exploitation and greenhouse gas emissions. We reached out to Intel but they declined an interview at this time.
The Herald will be following up with an evaluation of Intel’s sustainability efforts, verifying the promises of their newest investment.
Ben Vandehey – Hillsboro Herald Reporter
The People’s Paper – Keeping Things Local
