Jeffco Commissioners issue 10-month moratorium on data centers
Jefferson County Commissioners approved a 10-month moratorium on new data center applications for rezoning or development, citing concerns about substantial electricity and water usage, potential strain on local resources, and impact on the Wildland Urban Interface. During this period, county staff will evaluate how other communities address demand while commissioners weigh environmental concerns against economic benefits.
Jefferson County Commissioners have enacted a 10-month moratorium on new applications for data center rezoning or development, effective May 19. The decision, supported by Commissioners Rachel Zenzinger, Lesley Dahlkemper, and Andy Kerr, aims to provide time for county officials to assess the impact of data centers on local resources, including water and electricity, the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI), and overall community health.
Commissioner Zenzinger highlighted the critical need to understand how data centers will interact with the WUI, water supply, and the environment. Commissioner Dahlkemper emphasized the importance of balancing potential job growth with community impact, while Commissioner Kerr stressed the responsibility of being stewards of Jeffco's natural resources. The county will use this period to study how other communities are handling data center development, considering both environmental concerns and economic benefits. This action follows similar concerns in the region, with Denver City Council having recently passed a resolution banning new data center construction for a year. A recent poll by Conservation Colorado indicates strong public support in Colorado for policies protecting ratepayers and natural resources from unrestricted data center growth.