Aurora Keeps Door Open to Data Centers While Pursuing New Regulations
The Aurora City Council rejected a proposed six-month moratorium on data center construction amidst resident concerns over environmental and energy impacts. Concurrently, the council passed a separate resolution to establish new development standards for data centers.
The Aurora City Council in Colorado voted against implementing a temporary moratorium on data center construction, despite significant resident concerns regarding environmental impacts and energy consumption. Council Member Amy Wiles had proposed an emergency resolution for a six-month ban to allow for the adoption of new development standards, but the measure was defeated by a 6-5 vote, with the mayor casting the tie-breaking decision.
In lieu of a moratorium, the council instead passed a resolution introduced by Council Member Curtis Gardner. This resolution aims to establish specific development standards for data centers, reflecting a more measured approach to growth that some residents, like Makenna Green, advocated for during the heated two-hour discussion.