Data center activity in Colorado
Colorado's regulatory environment is severely impacted by moratorium activity, with at least 26 moratoriums enacted and none reported as rejected, indicating that moratorium proposals consistently succeed. No zoning decisions have been captured in available coverage, which limits the ability to assess permitting outcomes. At least 1 project has been blocked and 1 lawsuit filed, and opposition dynamics are modestly negative. Only 12 companies are active, a relatively low count that may reflect the deterrent effect of pervasive moratorium adoption. Unlike neighboring Utah, where moratorium rejection and strong zoning outcomes create a much more permissive environment, Colorado's blanket moratorium pattern positions it as one of the more challenging Mountain West states for data center development.
Colorado's regulatory environment is severely impacted by moratorium activity, with at least 26 moratoriums enacted and none reported as rejected, indicating that moratorium proposals consistently succeed. No zoning decisions have been captured in available coverage, which limits the ability to assess permitting outcomes. At least 1 project has been blocked and 1 lawsuit filed, and opposition dynamics are modestly negative. Only 12 companies are active, a relatively low count that may reflect the deterrent effect of pervasive moratorium adoption. Unlike neighboring Utah, where moratorium rejection and strong zoning outcomes create a much more permissive environment, Colorado's blanket moratorium pattern positions it as one of the more challenging Mountain West states for data center development.
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The Buena Vista Board of Trustees will discuss a proposed six-month moratorium on new data center applications on June 9. If approved, the moratorium would cover principal-use data centers like cloud computing and cryptocurrency mining facilities. This discussion follows earlier talks by the town's Planning and Zoning Commission on regulating data centers.
The city of Broomfield has decided to halt or pause the development of large-scale data centers within its jurisdiction. This action signifies a new policy or temporary ban on such projects in the area. The decision reflects local government intervention regarding data center expansion.
A 7-story data center building located in Thornton, Colorado, is currently on the market for $28 million. The property is being offered for sale as a 'data fortress'.
Cities and counties across the U.S., including Denver, are blocking planned data center projects due to growing resident backlash. Concerns primarily revolve around rising electricity prices and environmental harms associated with these facilities. State lawmakers are also examining limits or repeals on data center incentives.
The Buena Vista Board of Trustees is set to discuss and potentially impose an emergency ordinance for a temporary moratorium on data center applications. This action is prompted by the town's lack of specific regulatory frameworks to address data centers' unique impacts, such as water and energy consumption. The moratorium aims to provide time to research and develop appropriate local code for data center uses.
The Broomfield City Council has given preliminary approval to an 18-month moratorium on new data center construction in the city. This temporary halt will allow the city to develop new regulations concerning data centers, addressing impacts on water utilities and infrastructure. A final vote on the ordinance is scheduled for July 7.
Boulder County Commissioners have approved a six-month moratorium on new data centers and detention centers. This temporary halt will allow local leaders to study land use codes and develop new regulations concerning water and energy consumption for these facilities. Other municipalities like Denver and Jefferson County have also enacted similar moratoriums.
An energy podcast discussed how Colorado's challenging energy and regulatory environment, including Denver's one-year moratorium, is discouraging data center development in the state. Policy analyst Sarah Montalbano highlighted concerns over electricity demand and water use, suggesting that Colorado's energy policies create a difficult business climate. Potential policy changes, such as allowing data centers to build their own power sources, were also explored.
Boulder County commissioners unanimously enacted a six-month moratorium on data center and detention center applications. This pause allows staff to work on land use code changes, potentially prohibiting these facilities in the county's industrial areas. Concerns include the high energy and water use of AI data centers and their impact on community health and welfare.
Phil Weiser, a candidate for Colorado governor, discussed his views on energy, climate change, and data centers at a campaign event in Lakewood. He indicated he would not support a statewide moratorium on data centers but would consider incentives for projects that offer economic development benefits, particularly if paired with guardrails on energy and water use and green energy sources like enhanced geothermal.
Colorado's reputation for innovation is being challenged by new regulations and a data center moratorium in Denver. Boom Supersonic, a Denver-based company, is developing technology to reduce data centers' reliance on the power grid and water, potentially addressing environmental concerns. However, the CEO warns that Colorado's regulatory environment could drive innovation and jobs to other states.
A petition calling for a ban on data centers is circulating in Colorado Springs, driven by community concerns over resource consumption, noise, and the proposed Project Taurus near Garden of the Gods Road. While an economist notes potential revenue and jobs, residents are worried about water and electricity usage, prompting ongoing debate despite city leaders indicating no current plans for new regulations. Statewide efforts to pass data center regulations were recently abandoned.
This article discusses the environmental impact of the infrastructure required to support the artificial intelligence boom, rather than the ethical implications of AI tools. It advocates for AI data centers to be financially self-sufficient. The piece appears to be a commentary or opinion on the broader implications of data center development.
Boom Supersonic is developing aircraft engine technology to power data centers, potentially solving energy and water consumption issues for the industry. However, the company is considering leaving Colorado due to increasingly restrictive data center regulations and temporary moratoriums in Denver and Jefferson County. Local officials are actively working to develop comprehensive policies for data center development.
Jefferson County Commissioners have approved a 10-month moratorium on new applications for data center rezoning or development, citing concerns over substantial electricity and water usage. This pause will allow county staff to evaluate the potential impacts on local resources, the Wildland Urban Interface, and utility costs, while considering economic benefits.
Project Taurus, a proposed data center development by Rajan, is sparking significant discussion in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The project aims to redevelop a former Intel site on Garden of the Gods Road, with proponents highlighting economic benefits like jobs and tax revenue. Public concerns regarding power usage, water consumption, and environmental impact are being addressed through a city and utilities review process.
Colorado lawmakers have failed for the third consecutive year to pass statewide legislation regulating or incentivizing data center development, leaving the state without uniform policies. This legislative vacuum has prompted several local governments, including Denver and Jefferson County, to enact their own moratoriums or update ordinances to address concerns over data center power and water consumption.
Colorado policymakers and experts are debating the impact of data centers, particularly regarding water and electricity usage. While water consumption is considered a minor issue, electricity demand is a significant concern. Denver has enacted a one-year moratorium on new data center construction to develop regulations, and state legislators have considered proposals for tax incentives and renewable energy requirements.
Jefferson County Commissioners approved a 10-month moratorium on new data center applications for rezoning or development, citing concerns about substantial electricity and water usage, potential strain on local resources, and impact on the Wildland Urban Interface. During this period, county staff will evaluate how other communities address demand while commissioners weigh environmental concerns against economic benefits.
Weld County commissioners added data centers to their land use code following Global AI's land purchase. Berthoud has its own amended Land Use Code for data centers, requiring special use permits in industrial zones, and anticipates major power infrastructure upgrades would be needed. Larimer County has enacted and extended a moratorium on data center applications in unincorporated areas, seeking public feedback due to concerns over scale, electricity, and water use.