Another Colorado city is considering a pause on data center development

News Clip2:02Denver7·Commerce City, Adams County, CO·9/21/2026

Commerce City, Colorado leaders are considering a six-month moratorium on data center development applications due to concerns about city infrastructure, water supply, and energy consumption. This follows a similar discussion in Aurora. The city council will vote on the proposed pause.

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Gov: Commerce City leaders, City council, Aurora City council

Commerce City leaders are set to vote tonight on a six-month moratorium on data center development applications, citing concerns over city infrastructure, water supply, and neighborhood impacts. This proposal stems from growing interest in large-scale computer system warehouses, prompting officials to consider taking time to draft new regulations.

This move mirrors a previous discussion by Aurora City Council, which ultimately opted to create regulations rather than enact a full pause. Residents of Aurora had expressed concerns about environmental impact and high energy and electricity consumption. Following Aurora's vote, the city passed a ban on evaporative cooling for new developments.

Commerce City Council will decide whether to accept, amend, or reject the proposed moratorium tonight. If approved, the city would not accept new data center development applications until March 2027.