Oregon Alters Half-Century-Old Land Use Law for Chipmakers

On June 30, 2021, Oregon Governor Kate Brown signed a bill that alters a half-century-old land use law to allow chipmakers to build on high-value farmland in the state.

The bill, which was passed by the Oregon Legislature in June, allows semiconductor manufacturers to build on farmland that is zoned for exclusive farm use, as long as the land is not considered high-value farmland. High-value farmland is defined as land that is capable of producing crops with an annual gross income of at least $80,000.

The new law is aimed at attracting semiconductor manufacturers to the state, which has been trying to expand its tech industry. Oregon is already home to several major chipmakers, including Intel and ON Semiconductor.

Supporters of the bill argue that it will create jobs and boost the state's economy. Opponents, however, argue that it will lead to the loss of valuable farmland and harm the state's agricultural industry.

The bill includes several provisions aimed at mitigating the impact on farmland, including requirements for companies to pay for the restoration of farmland that is impacted by their development and to provide compensation to farmers who lose access to irrigation water.

Oregon's land use laws are among the strictest in the country, and the decision to alter them for chipmakers has been controversial. However, supporters of the bill argue that it is necessary to attract high-tech companies to the state and to remain competitive in the global economy.

Overall, the new law represents a significant change in Oregon's approach to land use and could have far-reaching implications for the state's economy and environment.

https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-technology-news/oregon-alters-half-century-old-land-use-law-for-chipmakers

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