Jeffco leaders voted to temporarily stop the development of future data centers within county limits, arguing they need time to weigh their environmental impact with potential economic benefits.
JEFFERSON COUNTY, Colo. — Jefferson County leaders on Tuesday voted to temporarily stop the development of future data centers within county limits, arguing they need time to weigh their environmental impact with potential economic benefits in the midst of Colorado’s historic drought.
The moratorium will apply to new applications for the development or rezoning of new data centers but will exclude land that is already specifically zoned to allow for data centers through a Planned Development. The moratorium will be in effect through March 2027.
Denver7 News at 6 p.m. “It’s critical for us to evaluate how data centers will interact with the Wildland Urban Interface , our water supply, the environment and our community’s overall health,” Jefferson County Commissioner Rachel Zenzinger said during the public hearing.
“This moratorium is a necessary pause for us to gather that information. ” The vote by the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners comes a day after Denver City Council approved a one-year moratorium on new data centers during a public hearing where the majority of attendees voiced concerned over health impacts and water usage.
“While we recognize the potential job growth of a new data center, commissioners must weigh the impact on our community,” Jefferson County Commissioner Lesley Dahlkemper said. “The next 10 months will allow us to work closely with our community and staff to gather input and develop thoughtful county policies.
” The Follow Up Denver council approves one-year data center moratorium Adria Iraheta A Jefferson County spokesperson said the decision by the board “comes as communities across the country grapple with the impacts data centers have on local infrastructure, natural resources, utility costs and public health. ” “There’s an increase in demand for data centers, but modern-day data centers come with a variety of considerations,” said Jefferson County Commissioner Andy Kerr.
“In Jeffco, our land, water and energy are our most cherished resources, and we want to ensure that we are being responsible caretakers of those resources. ” The moratoriums — both in Denver and Jefferson County — come after state lawmakers failed to approve data center regulations during this year’s legislative session. One bill, HB26-1030, sough to attract outside investment by offering major tax breaks for data center companies while holding developers accountable to meet the state’s climate goals.
Another, SB26-102, would have required data center companies to pay 100% of their upfront costs for the power needed to run their facilities. Coloradans making a difference | Denver7 featured videos Boulder County considers alternate-use pilot for popular trails, prompting debate BOLDERBoulder 10K: A running coach's tips to train smart and finish strong Should Niwot incorporate?
Aurora mayor outlines leaders' priorities at this year's State of the City address Boulder firefighter creates program to help women break into the fire service Denver7 is committed to making a difference in our community by standing up for what's right, listening, lending a helping hand and following through on promises. See that work in action, in the videos above.
Data Center Controversy Data Center Controversy Jefferson County Jefferson County Approves 10-Month Moratorium Jefferson County Approves 10-Month Moratorium On D Jefferson County Moratorium On Data Centers Jefferson County Moratorium On New Data Centers
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Douglas County Pride returns after event canceled in 2025Fifteen days before the start of Pride Month, people in Douglas County held the 2026 edition of Douglas County Pride on Sunday.
Read more »
San Luis Obispo County Deals ShowcaseDiscover top local promotions and discounts on dining, lodging, golf, and more while supporting the county's economy.
Read more »
Natural gas smell forces evacuation at Jefferson Middle SchoolSAN ANTONIO - A natural gas smell forced an evacuation of students and stqaff to the nearby football field
Read more »
Nominees for 2026-27 San Diego County Teachers of the Year announcedSan Diego County's superintendent of schools Monday announced five educators from nearly every reach of the county as the 2026-27 County Teachers of the Year.
Read more »