South Fork approves moratorium on data centers
The South Fork Town Board in Colorado has approved a one-year moratorium on new data center applications. This action aims to give the town time to research and draft specific zoning regulations to address concerns about the facilities' potential strain on local resources like energy and water.
The South Fork Town Board in Colorado recently approved Ordinance No. 2026-03, establishing a one-year moratorium on new data center development within the town. This temporary freeze on permit applications and site development plans will allow town officials to research and draft appropriate zoning standards, as South Fork is not currently zoned to accommodate data centers.
The decision was driven by considerable interest and concern among residents regarding the potential for data centers to burden critical energy and water resources, as well as create issues with noise and air quality. Under the ordinance, the town's Planning and Zoning Commission will establish a public engagement process, including a working group of community members, town staff, trustees, and industry experts, to study these impacts and recommend new policies.
This local action mirrors a growing trend in Colorado, where several rural communities have enacted similar pauses on data center development. Neighboring Saguache County, along with Larimer, Archuleta, and Boulder counties, have also passed moratoria in recent months, following the state legislature's failure to pass statewide environmental regulations for the industry. Developers often highlight economic investment, but communities frequently cite concerns over the massive electrical and water consumption required by these facilities.