Community, Colorado leaders fight against data center creation in Denver's Elyria-Swansea neighborhood
Colorado leaders, Denver's Elyria-Swansea residents, and actress Jane Fonda are actively opposing data center development, advocating for a ban rather than a moratorium. This follows the Denver City Council's recent unanimous vote to enact a one-year moratorium due to concerns about health risks, water usage, air pollution, potential blackouts, and grid failures. Opponents cite existing health disparities in the area and vow to continue their fight for a complete ban.
Colorado leaders and residents of Denver's Elyria-Swansea neighborhood, joined by activist and actress Jane Fonda, gathered Thursday morning to voice strong opposition against the construction of data centers in their community. This public demonstration follows a unanimous vote last month by the Denver City Council to implement a one-year moratorium on data center construction.
The moratorium was enacted to allow for further research into potential health risks and significant water usage associated with data centers. However, community members and state leaders are pushing for a permanent ban, citing grave concerns over air and water pollution, the potential for widespread blackouts, and the risk of grid failures. They also highlighted the close proximity of a nursing center, expressing fears about increased smoke inhalation.
Jane Fonda emphasized the existing health disparities in the area, stating, "People in this area live seven years less." She added, "People shouldn't ever be sacrificed, and we will keep fighting about this." Leaders indicated that Gov. Jared Polis and Senators Michael Bennett and John Hickenlooper were invited but declined to speak. Opponents affirmed their commitment to fighting until a complete ban on data centers, particularly in the Elyria-Swansea neighborhood, is secured.