Former Colorado Governor Advocates for Data Center Development Incentives

Former Colorado Governor Bill Owens has penned an opinion piece in The Denver Post, advocating for House Bill 1030 as a crucial step to bolster Colorado's economy through data center investment. Owens, emphasizing the state's need for economic stimulus amid a budget crisis, argues that data centers offer substantial economic benefits, including thousands of construction jobs, high-paying permanent roles, and significant infrastructure investments in roads, utilities, and broadband. The proposed House Bill 1030 seeks to attract data center development by offering a targeted state sales tax exemption, while simultaneously ensuring that these facilities operate under Colorado's terms. Owens stresses the importance of learning from other states' past mistakes by implementing strong, enforceable ratepayer protections to prevent energy cost increases and mandating data centers pay for critical grid upgrades. He also highlights data centers' potential to strengthen the power grid, boost the renewable energy industry, and provide economic lifelines to rural communities on the Western Slope and Eastern Plains that have suffered from industrial losses. Owens concludes that thoughtful, collaborative planning through HB 1030 will allow Colorado to shape its digital future and lead in balancing economic growth with environmental responsibility.