Democrats’ dueling data center bills have stalled as opposition to the industry mounts

Dueling data center bills in the Colorado legislative session are stalled as the May 13 end date approaches, amidst mounting opposition to the industry. House Bill 1030, an industry-backed proposal to offer tax incentives, was pulled from committee consideration. Meanwhile, Senate Bill 102, an environmentalist-backed bill to regulate energy and water use, was heard in committee in March but no vote was taken. State Rep. Alex Valdez (D-Denver), a primary sponsor of the industry bill, stated he is still working on a compromise with fellow Democrats, emphasizing the importance of legislation for Colorado's economic and environmental gains. State Sen. Cathy Kipp (D-Fort Collins), main sponsor of the environmental bill, is amending her proposal to gain labor group support. The impasse comes as the state's Public Utilities Commission has begun considering regulating the data center industry, potentially incorporating protections similar to those in the environmental bill.