Grant County pauses data center development for one year
Grant County commissioners approved a one-year moratorium on data center development by a 4-1 vote while the county considers regulations for proposed projects. The pause affects Granite Renewables' planned solar farm and data center near Hachita and followed concerns about groundwater, emissions, noise, light pollution, electricity demand and transparency.
Grant County commissioners approved a one-year ordinance suspending the establishment, construction, expansion and operation of data centers and supporting infrastructure while the county develops potential regulations. The measure passed 4-1, with Commissioner Thomas Shelley opposing it and Commissioner Nancy Stephens supporting the pause as a way to study the rapid growth of power- and water-intensive facilities.
The moratorium affects a proposed Granite Renewables solar farm and data center on cattle rancher Lawrence Hurt's property near Hachita. Granite Renewables argued that the ordinance was ambiguous and urged the county to pursue regulations without a moratorium, while supporters cited concerns about groundwater, air emissions, noise, light pollution and limited community outreach. Commission Chairman Chris Ponce criticized the developer's communication with the county, while opponents of the ordinance warned it could interfere with environmental studies and state regulatory responsibilities.