Aurora considers targeted regulations for new data centers amidst growing concerns
Aurora city lawmakers are considering targeted regulations for new data centers instead of a moratorium, prompted by concerns about their location and impact. Councilmember Amy Wiles is exploring rules for neighborhood buffers and reducing water-intensive landscaping. A town hall was held with city staff, Xcel Energy, and QTS Data Centers to discuss these issues.
Aurora, Colorado, is exploring new regulations for data centers amidst growing concerns, even as nearby municipalities implement moratoriums on such facilities. Aurora City Councilmember Amy Wiles, along with city staff and representatives from Xcel Energy and QTS Data Centers, held a town hall to discuss the impacts of local data centers and existing restrictions.
Wiles, who initially considered proposing a moratorium, now believes that more targeted regulations would be a better approach to address concerns about data center locations and their environmental effects. She indicated that she might introduce regulations that would further restrict where data centers can be built, potentially requiring a "neighborhood buffer," and eliminate water-intensive landscaping requirements. The move reflects a proactive stance by Aurora to manage data center development without imposing a full halt.