Planning Commission debates appeals over proposed data center
The Colorado Springs Planning Commission is deliberating appeals regarding a proposed artificial-intelligence data center, Project Taurus, by Raeden. Public opposition is significant, citing environmental concerns, noise, power, and water use, including the use of "forever chemicals" like PFAS in cooling systems. A decision had not been reached as of the meeting's conclusion.
The Colorado Springs Planning Commission held a lengthy public meeting to deliberate on appeals concerning Project Taurus, a proposed artificial-intelligence data center by California-based company Raeden. The meeting, which extended late into the night, concluded without a decision.
Over 100 individuals spoke in opposition to the project, raising concerns about its environmental impact, noise pollution, and substantial consumption of power and water. Ean Tafoya, Vice President of State Programs for Green Latinos, specifically highlighted the potential use of "forever chemicals" such as PFAS in the data center's closed-loop cooling system, linking it to a "supply chain of suffering" due to their health risks and the challenges in wastewater treatment. PFAS contamination has been a past issue in nearby communities due to Peterson Space Force Base.
Conversely, 13 speakers supported the data center, emphasizing its economic benefits, particularly the creation of 600 temporary union construction jobs and ongoing maintenance positions. Former Colorado Springs City Councilmember Tim Leigh noted the project's potential to generate significant property tax revenue for School District 11 by refurbishing an old, disused Intel building. Despite the arguments for economic gain, residents, including Kate Kent, pressed the commission for a data center moratorium, advocating for a pause to fully understand the project's costs to the community and its impact on the power grid.