Data centers have been thrust into the limelight in the past 12-18 months as more companies seek to build them while concerns grow about their use of natural resources.

That’s led some Colorado communities to reject data centers, while others welcome them in hopes of economic gains.

As Colorado Springs forges ahead with Project Taurus, a planned AI data center being built in an old computer chip manufacturing facility at 1615 W. Garden of the Gods Road, other locations in Colorado have imposed temporary moratoriums on data centers.

Larimer County imposed a moratorium on data centers that expires on Aug. 25.

On May 18, the Denver City Council unanimously approved a one-year moratorium on new data center development. One day later, the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners voted in favor of a 10-month ban on new data centers.

“It’s critical for us to evaluate how data centers will interact with the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI), our water supply, the environment and our community’s overall health,” Jefferson County Commissioner Rachel Zenzinger said. “This moratorium is a necessary pause for us to gather that information.”

Boulder County also imposed a six-month moratorium on new data centers on Monday. The Longmont City Council approved a ban on “hyperscale” data centers that consume over 100 megawatts of power last week, according to published reports. Plans for Project Taurus indicate it will consume 50 megawatts.  

Elsewhere, some 14 states are considering, or have considered, an outright ban on new data centers, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Six states killed proposed moratoriums, while in Maine, Gov. Janet Mills vetoed a moratorium.

In Colorado, lawmakers considered two data center bills, but both were shot down at the end of the legislative session.

City leadership in Colorado Springs has remained tight-lipped on Project Taurus. The council may have to act in a quasi-judicial manner if the recent approval is appealed.  Residents within 3 miles of the project site have until 5 p.m. on June 22 to file an appeal. As of 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, city staff said they have not yet received any appeals.

In Denver, City Councilman Kevin Flynn said the city’s zoning code had not kept pace with technological advancement.

“I know we’ve had data centers for decades, but the type and the technology and the resources they require have accelerated at almost a superhuman pace, and it’s hard to visualize what society and technology will be like in 10 years from now,” he said.