Aurora City Council rejects data center moratorium
The Aurora City Council narrowly rejected a proposed data center moratorium, with Mayor Mike Coffman casting the tie-breaking vote. Community members voiced strong opposition, citing environmental concerns, high energy costs, and water scarcity. Despite the rejection, a resolution to establish development standards for data centers was approved during the same meeting.
The Aurora City Council voted to reject a data center moratorium during a Monday night meeting, following hours of public comment and deliberation. The vote was initially tied at 5-5, with Mayor Mike Coffman casting the decisive vote, making it 6-5 against the moratorium.
Community members present at the meeting largely opposed data center development, raising concerns about environmental impacts, significant energy consumption, and water scarcity. Aurora resident Arvin Martinez highlighted the region's record-setting drought, lack of water, and high temperatures, arguing that the city cannot afford to waste water.
While the moratorium was rejected, allowing data center development to proceed in Aurora, the council did approve a separate resolution to establish development standards for these facilities. Councilmembers are expected to review these new resolutions in the coming weeks.