Data Centers

A huge majority of the 7,000-plus survey responses from Larimer County residents opposed data centers. Technology is changing so quickly in data center operations, power needs and water supply demands, that Larimer County’s draft is less specific than others on technical issues. The proposed rules set a high bar for developers, but give them room to change how they get there.

Denver’s mayor and city council Wednesday announced a “working group” of 26 citizens and experts on data center growth that will make policy recommendations amid a city building moratorium. KUNC's Marty Lenz discussed some specifics of the working group with Colorado Sun's Michael Booth.

It's part of a multi-city bus tour advocating for local decision-making

Weld County commissioners approved the project that a citizens' group faults over energy, water and other potential impacts.

Democrats say western states, with abundant BLM lands, of most concern

Last week, the Washington Sun identified four data center proposals on federal public lands in Arizona. Congressman Greg Stanton, and other democratic lawmakers, co-signed a letter to the Bureau of Land Management demanding transparency.

Strong negative sentiment on data centers revealed in three separate surveys. Opposition ranges from 60% to as high as 71%. Public apprehension is driven largely by worries over energy costs (half of Americans view data centers as mostly bad for this), heavy water usage, strain on local quality of life, and the environment.

The survey also found Coloradans viewed data centers and AI leaders unfavorably.

Municipalities across the Grand Canyon State are raising concern over the rapid rise of data centers, especially when it comes to water consumption in the drought-stricken Southwest.

The proposed facility could become the biggest data center in Colorado.