Colorado Should Address Data Center Concerns Without Blocking Construction
An opinion article argues that Colorado should address residents’ concerns about noise, water use, health risks and electricity costs from proposed data centers without blocking construction outright. It notes that six municipalities, including Denver, have adopted bans, caps or moratoriums while considering local impacts.
Colorado is facing fierce local opposition to proposed data centers, with residents raising concerns about noise, water consumption, potential health effects and higher electricity costs. The article says six municipalities, including Denver, have imposed bans, caps or moratoriums as officials assess how large facilities could affect their communities.
The authors argue that local governments should respond to voter concerns but not reject data centers outright, citing the importance of computing capacity to medical and scientific research, national security and economic growth.