Denver Council Considers Data Center Moratorium And Multimillion Dollar Contracts

By Deborah Grigsby | The Denver Gazette

The Denver City Council will introduce a bill on Monday that would place a one-year moratorium on the acceptance or processing of certain permit and site development plan applications in which a data center is the proposed primary use.

Because data centers are not specifically regulated within Denver and have no specific permitting requirements, city officials want to press the “pause” button to give the city time to develop “thoughtful regulations” that address community safety and equity.

If ordered published, a public hearing on the matter will be held May 18.

Next, the council will also introduce legislation to establish an annual donation of bison to American Indian tribes and American Indian nonprofits. The City and County of Denver owns two herds of American Bison, which graze on lands operated by the Parks and Recreation Department as part of a conservation program. 

In March, the City transferred 34 yearling bison to American Indian tribes and organizations — including the Northern Cheyenne Tribe, Buffalo First, Navajo Nation and Tall Bull Memorial Council — as part of an official ceremony held at Genesse Park in Golden.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE AT THE DENVER GAZETTE