Colorado data centers move ahead fast, while public opposition grows
Colorado communities are moving forward with data center approvals despite significant public opposition, with 82% of Coloradans opposing data centers in their area due to concerns over electricity, water use, and noise. A key public hearing is scheduled in Colorado Springs for the controversial "Taurus" data center, while Weld County approved a large Global AI project despite objections. The Aurora City Council rejected a full ban on new data centers but adopted regulations to restrict older, water-intensive cooling systems.
Colorado communities are proceeding with approvals for massive new data centers, even as independent polling by Magellan shows overwhelming public opposition across the state. The survey of 1,389 registered voters revealed that 82% of Coloradans oppose a data center in their city or town, with sentiment rising to 86% against one near their neighborhood.
The Colorado Springs City Council is set to hold a crucial public hearing regarding the proposed "Taurus" data center, planned for a former microchip factory. This project is projected to consume up to 50 megawatts of power from Colorado Springs Utilities, raising significant concerns among neighborhood groups about noise and other environmental impacts. The article highlights that politicians are increasingly aware of this strong public sentiment as they consider planning recommendations and permits.
In Weld County, the County Commission recently approved a 41-acre data center plan from Global AI, which is poised to become the largest data center operation in the state. This approval came on September 9th, despite local objections. The commission had previously established special planning rules for data centers, including a ban on development in agricultural zones and requirements for water conservation and adequate power. The city of Greeley is also working to annex the land where Global AI is building, near Windsor.
Aurora, home to QTS's expanding data center complex, also saw recent developments. The Aurora City Council considered and ultimately rejected a complete ban on new data center construction. Instead, the council opted to regulate new developments by banning older, evaporative cooling technologies in favor of more water-efficient closed-loop systems. Concerns over air pollution from fossil fuel-driven backup generators, which can run during outages, also factored into local debates.