Broomfield approves 18-month pause on data center development
The City of Broomfield, Colorado, unanimously approved an 18-month moratorium on new data center development that uses 10 megawatts of power or more. This pause allows the city to establish clearer rules regarding zoning and water usage, addressing concerns from residents about environmental pollution, noise, water scarcity, and energy consumption. The move positions Broomfield among other Colorado communities implementing similar measures.
The City of Broomfield, Colorado, has joined a growing number of communities in the state by enacting a temporary halt on data center development. In a unanimous 9-0 vote, the Broomfield City Council approved an 18-month moratorium on new data center facilities that consume 10 megawatts of power or more. This decision was made to allow the city to develop new regulations concerning zoning and water use.
Residents, including Jesse Applegate, expressed their satisfaction with the pause but advocated for further action, such as an outright ban on large facilities. Concerns centered on potential environmental pollution, noise, significant water usage in a drought-prone state, and the substantial power demands of data centers. City officials explained that the 10-megawatt threshold was chosen because it represents half the capacity of the city's largest existing data center and could significantly impact the community's environment or energy grid. They noted that 10 megawatts could power approximately 7,000 homes. The council's decision was widely supported by residents who attended the meeting, who believe corporate interests should not outweigh the needs of Broomfield's population.