Local Officials Challenge Federal and Corporate Data Center Projects

Local governments in two U.S. cities are challenging the development of high-capacity data centers due to environmental and procedural concerns. In Boulder City, officials are appealing the U.S. Bureau of Land Management's late June approval of the Townsite Solar 2 project. Developed by Skylar Energy Resources, the project shifted from a solar facility to a 167 MW data center on federal land. City leaders and residents oppose the move, citing a lack of public consultation and the loss of $2.3 million in potential annual lease revenue. The dispute is moving to the Interior Board of Land Appeals.

Simultaneously, the Colorado Springs Planning Commission is deliberating on appeals regarding Project Taurus, an AI data center proposed by Raeden. The project involves refurbishing a former Intel building. While supporters point to 600 construction jobs and new tax revenue for School District 11, over 100 residents have protested. Opponents specifically raised alarms over noise, power demand, and the potential use of PFAS chemicals in cooling systems. Raeden CEO Jason Alexander claimed the facility would only require a one-time water use of 200,000 gallons.