Aurora city council takes first steps toward data center regulations after rejecting construction ban
Aurora City Council is developing new regulations for data centers, focusing on water usage and noise, after recently rejecting a temporary construction ban. Residents continue to raise concerns about the environmental impact and water consumption, particularly during a drought. A final vote on these regulations is anticipated for late September or early October.
The Aurora City Council in Colorado is moving forward with drafting new regulations for data centers, weeks after rejecting a temporary construction ban. This action comes amid ongoing concerns from residents regarding water consumption, noise pollution, and environmental impacts of data center development in the city, which is currently experiencing a drought.
Key proposals under consideration include banning water-intensive evaporative cooling systems in favor of closed-loop alternatives, although residents like Jeffrey McFarland and Timothy Elkins express skepticism about the complete water-saving claims and potential risks of even closed systems. The council is also debating size-based standards for data centers, with Mayor Mike Coffman advocating for differentiated standards.
Council member Gianina Horton has highlighted the need for due diligence on noise concerns. City Manager Jason Batchelor indicated that a final vote on these comprehensive regulations is expected in late September or early October, as various issues are still being discussed. Residents plan to continue their advocacy against data center development, citing a lack of perceived benefits for Aurorans.