Delta County Board passes moratorium on data centers
The Delta County Board of Commissioners has approved a 12-month moratorium on new data centers and cryptocurrency mining construction, following a recommendation from the Delta County Planning Commission. This pause will allow the county to research land-use, infrastructure, and environmental impacts and to draft new zoning ordinances for these high-intensity technological uses. Community members expressed support for the moratorium to ensure proper regulation and protection of natural resources.
The Delta County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a 12-month moratorium on data centers and cryptocurrency mining construction. This decision followed a recommendation from the Delta County Planning Commission, which had passed a resolution on July 6 to ensure orderly development, protect natural resources, and establish clear standards for high-intensity land uses.
The resolution emphasizes that Delta County's current zoning ordinance lacks comprehensive standards for data centers, particularly concerning electrical demand, noise, heat generation, water use, and environmental impacts. The county's electrical infrastructure, served by regional utilities, also faces potential capacity and distribution constraints from such energy-intensive operations. The moratorium grants county staff and commissioners time to research these issues, coordinate with utility providers and neighboring jurisdictions, and draft proposed zoning amendments, including holding public hearings.
During this 12-month period, no new applications or requests for data centers or cryptocurrency mining facilities, rezoning, or special land-use permits for such uses will be accepted or processed. Community members Leah Belanger of Gladstone and Teresa Ross of Ford River Township addressed the board, advocating for the moratorium. They highlighted concerns about noise and water pollution, the financial burden of increased electricity use, and alleged