Rifle, Colorado Approves Data Center Regulations
Rifle City Council gave initial unanimous approval to strict regulations for future data centers, despite receiving no applications from developers. The proposed rules would limit noise, water use, light pollution, heat emissions and power demand, with a second reading scheduled for Nov. 18.
Rifle City Council unanimously approved the first reading of regulations governing any future data center within city limits. The proposed code would apply to facilities exceeding 20 megawatts of peak demand and require studies on noise, heat, water, energy and other impacts, as well as developer-funded compliance monitoring and annual reporting.
The rules would require closed-loop or other non-evaporative cooling systems, impose noise and setback limits, require applicants to identify and fund their power supply, and give the council authority to approve, deny or revoke permits. City officials said the preemptive approach is intended to regulate potential development without resorting to a temporary moratorium; a second reading is scheduled for Nov. 18.
The action comes amid broader debate across Colorado, where several municipalities and counties are considering data center caps, moratoriums or other restrictions. Nearby Parachute and Garfield County are also developing rules, while officials elsewhere have cited concerns about electricity demand, water consumption and community impacts.