Colorado Legislature Fails 2nd Year to Regulate Data Centers as Local Moratoriums Spread
Updated
Updated · Colorado Newsline · Oct 20
Colorado Legislature Fails 2nd Year to Regulate Data Centers as Local Moratoriums Spread
3 articles · Updated · Colorado Newsline · Oct 20
Summary
Colorado lawmakers again ended a legislative session without statewide data-center rules, leaving communities to manage projects through local zoning, nuisance ordinances and moratoriums.
That gap matters because opponents say large facilities strain power grids, water supplies and climate goals while bringing noise, bright lighting and diesel-generator pollution to nearby neighborhoods.
Local responses are diverging: Longmont and Monument moved to restrict projects, Denver imposed a moratorium only after a major co-location site was approved, and Colorado Springs approved Project Taurus despite resident appeals.
Job promises remain a key fault line, with supporters citing economic growth but critics arguing most positions are 12-24 month construction jobs and permanent roles are limited and often outsourced.
Grassroots opposition is widening across Colorado, and the report warns that continued state inaction could push voters toward ballot measures as restrictive as Wisconsin's approval requirement or Monterey Park's outright ban.