Residents pack Thornton library to voice concerns about data centers in Adams County
Approximately 100 Adams County residents gathered in Thornton to express concerns about data centers, citing issues such as excessive water and power usage, noise, and environmental impact. The meeting also highlighted potential conflicts of interest among elected officials involved with utility companies. Commerce City Council is set to consider a 6-month moratorium on data center site development following these community discussions.
Roughly 100 Adams County residents attended a community meeting at Anythink Wright Farms Library in Thornton, Colorado, on Saturday to voice their concerns regarding the potential development of large-scale data centers in the area. The event, organized by the Adams County chapter of Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), included a presentation on the impacts of data centers across the country, focusing on water usage, power consumption, noise pollution, and effects on wildlife and agriculture.
Residents like Chris Cook of Thornton and Same Barnes of Brighton expressed alarm over the significant water demands of data centers, even those with reclamation systems, and the reported daily usage of millions of gallons. Oliver Stanton, also from Thornton, highlighted concerns about infrasound and its impact on wildlife. Many attendees shared personal reasons for their involvement, citing worries about their families and the local environment.
During the meeting, residents called out elected officials regarding potential conflicts of interest. Specifically, Thornton resident Mayor Jan Kulmann was questioned about her role as COO of United Power, a utility company. While Mayor Kulmann was not present, Commerce City Mayor Steve Douglas, also a United Power board member, attended but declined an interview. Douglas cited his position with United Power and an upcoming vote on a proposed ordinance for a 6-month data center moratorium in Commerce City as reasons for his silence.
The Commerce City Council is scheduled to hold a first reading of the ordinance to enact a 6-month moratorium on data center site development, indicating a direct response to growing community concerns and a potential pause in future data center projects.