Pagosa Springs Officials Debate Data Center Moratorium, Zoning Regulations
The Pagosa Springs Town Council is considering how to regulate or potentially ban data centers, as current land use codes do not define them. Archuleta County has already enacted a temporary moratorium on data centers due to concerns about significant electricity and water usage. Discussions reveal strong local opposition balanced against warnings about inhibiting technological advancement.
The Pagosa Springs Town Council is deliberating on the future of data center development within the town, as its current Land Use and Development Code (LUDC) lacks specific definitions or zoning allowances for such facilities. Town Planning Director Owen O'Dell initiated the discussion, prompting the Council to consider developing new definitions, potentially implementing a moratorium, or even imposing a complete ban on data centers. This follows a decision by Archuleta County, where Commissioner Veronica Medina successfully advocated for a temporary county-wide moratorium on June 16, citing concerns over high electricity consumption and water usage, particularly given the area's existing power issues and "Drought Stage 2" water restrictions.
During the July 21 Town Council meeting, Council member Mat deGraaf expressed a strong desire to "make it simple and say that data centers are not allowed in the Town of Pagosa Springs. Now or ever." This sentiment was echoed by another member. However, newly-appointed Council member Vahid Shabro, who works in the AI industry, cautioned against a ban, suggesting that Pagosa Springs might not meet the space, reliable, and cheap energy requirements of data centers anyway. He also warned that a ban could have negative implications for the community's judgment regarding new technologies and potentially affect long-term national security by hindering the expansion of critical technologies in compatible areas.