Denver to form data-center regulation group ahead of 2027 moratorium deadline
Denver is establishing a resident-expert panel and launching a website to guide future data center regulation, as the city operates under a moratorium on new data center construction until May 2027. Mayor Mike Johnston stated that the initiative aims to protect Denver's air, water, and quality of life. Applications for the expert group will be open from August 21 to September 4.
Denver, Colorado, is actively establishing a resident-expert panel and launching a dedicated website to formulate new regulations for data center development. This initiative follows an existing moratorium on new data center construction that is in effect until May 2027. Mayor Mike Johnston, alongside City Council members Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, Paul Kashmann, and Darrell Watson, announced these measures as the next phase of the moratorium, aiming to protect the city's environmental quality and resident welfare.
Mayor Johnston emphasized the city's commitment to prioritizing "Denverites over data centers," stating that the forthcoming regulations are intended to set a "gold standard" for development. The working group, which will be composed of at least 20 individuals including community members, utility representatives, union members, industry representatives, academics, healthcare experts, and an air quality expert, will guide this regulatory process. Applications for Denver residents interested in joining the group will be accepted from August 21 to September 4 via denvergov.org/datacenters.