Resident urges moratorium on data centers; commissioners add topic for future discussion

During the Citizens to Be Heard segment on May 26, Michael Wolf of Aspen Drive urged the planning commission to consider placing a moratorium on data‑center development in Grand County, saying the county’s water and gas infrastructure makes it attractive to large computing facilities.

"We have water. We have natural gas pipeline ... I would urge you guys to do a more ... recommend to the commission to do a moratorum from them," Michael Wolf said, urging the commission to act before developers move in. He also expressed concern about water availability and local planning's role in approving water‑intensive development.

Commissioners discussed the request briefly near the end of the meeting. Aaron suggested a six‑month moratorium while the county develops guidance; the body did not adopt a moratorium but directed staff to add the data‑center topic to a future agenda and to schedule a short (five‑ to ten‑minute) discussion at an upcoming meeting.

No formal vote was recorded on a moratorium at the May 26 meeting. The commission will consider the matter in a future session after staff compiles background and possible policy options.