Grand Junction City Council advances one-year moratorium on large data centers
The Grand Junction City Council advanced consideration of a proposed one-year moratorium on new data center applications requiring at least one megawatt of electricity. The pause would give city staff time to study potential impacts on water, electricity and local infrastructure, while residents expressed both support and concern during public comment.
The Grand Junction City Council is considering a one-year moratorium on new data center applications requiring at least one megawatt of electricity. The proposed pause would allow city staff to evaluate how future facilities could affect water resources, power demand and local infrastructure, and to develop regulations for data center sites.
Residents offered mixed views during public comment. Supporters said a temporary pause would give the community time to assess the impacts of development, while others argued that data centers are part of modern life and that the city should find a way to accommodate them while benefiting the community. Water availability and the need for public input were prominent concerns as the council considers next steps.