Denver residents push for data center regulations ahead of temporary moratorium city council vote
Denver residents are pushing for stronger regulations on data centers due to environmental and health concerns ahead of a city council vote on a temporary moratorium. A CoreSite facility is already under construction, causing worries about pollution and strain on resources. The proposed moratorium could last up to one year, aiming to allow time for regulations to be established.
Residents in Denver's Swansea-Elyria neighborhood are vocalizing concerns over the environmental and health impacts of data centers, specifically citing an ongoing CoreSite construction project. Robert Sanborn, a resident battling lung diseases, expressed worries about dust and diesel generator pollution from the nearby facility. Alfonso Espino from the Globeville Elyria-Swansea Coalition echoed these concerns, highlighting the massive electricity and water demands of data centers, the use of diesel generators, and the potential for grid strain and blackouts.
These concerns come ahead of a Denver City Council vote on a proposed temporary moratorium on new data center developments. The moratorium could last up to a year, or less if new regulations are swiftly implemented. Denver Mayor Mike Johnston acknowledged the economic importance of data centers but stressed the need for clear regulations to protect neighborhoods and natural resources. The Data Center Coalition, part of the GES Coalition, plans a press conference before the City Council vote to advocate for stronger protections.