# Senators Question DOI Western Data Center Plans

U.S. Senators Alex Padilla, Ron Wyden, and Jeff Merkley have asked the Department of the Interior (DOI) for information about reported plans to develop data centers and related infrastructure on nearly 18,000 acres of public lands across six western states. DOI was asked to provide a written response by November 16, 2026 (seven days from November 9). No solicitation, contract award, contract value, or developer has been identified, so this is an early-stage land-use and policy signal rather than a current contract opportunity.

- The reported scale and public-land setting could make DOI land-use decisions, public consultation, and tribal engagement important factors for future project planning.
- Data-center developers and infrastructure contractors can use the requested response and any related DOI actions to assess whether public-land projects may advance; the signal does not establish that procurement is planned.
- Companies evaluating potential work should distinguish this reported development from an active solicitation: no procurement vehicle, requirements, or named contracting agency has been announced.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Information Technology, Construction & Infrastructure
**Topics:** Digital Infrastructure
**Published:** November 09, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI)
- U.S. Senate

### Sources
- [Padilla, Wyden, Merkley Demand Answers Over Planned Development of Data Centers on Public Lands - Senator Alex Padilla](https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-wyden-merkley-demand-answers-over-planned-development-of-data-centers-on-public-lands/) - Padilla Senate