Denver set to pause data center development as mayor joins call for moratorium

Denver is set to pause data center development in the city, as Mayor Mike Johnston has joined a call for a moratorium. The proposed moratorium would temporarily block new data centers, allowing the city to address concerns about the environmental impact of these facilities, which are energy and water-intensive. The moratorium is expected to be a temporary measure, with the city using the time to review regulations and collaborate with the community, climate experts, and industry leaders to develop a practical, predictable, and transparent policy. While data centers provide economic benefits, a growing community movement has raised concerns about the potential impact on local air quality, particularly from diesel generators used for backup power. If the moratorium is approved, the city aims to pass the strictest possible regulations to limit future data center development.