Broomfield City Council considers temporary ban on new data center development
Broomfield City Council is considering an 18-month moratorium on new data center developments due to concerns over water and electricity use. If passed, the temporary ban would allow the city to create specific regulations for large data centers before accepting new applications.
The Broomfield City Council is slated to vote on a proposed 18-month moratorium on new data center developments. This move comes amid growing concerns from residents and city officials regarding the significant water and electricity demands of these facilities.
If enacted, the temporary ban would specifically target new or expanded data centers with power requirements of at least 10 megawatts. It would not, however, affect existing operations, such as the 20-megawatt Chase Data Center located in Broomfield.
City leaders have indicated that Broomfield currently lacks comprehensive regulations tailored to large data centers. The proposed pause would provide city staff with crucial time to thoroughly study various impacts, including electricity demand, water consumption, infrastructure strain, and potential effects on surrounding neighborhoods. This research would inform the development of specific regulations before the city resumes accepting new development applications. Residents have expressed support for the city's proactive approach in establishing these necessary guidelines.