Help Stop the AI Data Center that’s Approved to be Built Near Garden of the Gods

Jun 15

Think Project Taurus is just about water? Think again. The biggest concerns may be the ones receiving the least attention.

The power usage: About 50 megawatts (MW) of continuous power demand, enough electricity to power tens of thousands of homes. A constant 50 MW load is more comparable to a small town than to a typical commercial building.
200,000 gallons is the developer’s stated startup amount for the “closed-loop” cooling system, meaning it should recirculate water. However, closed-loop systems can still require periodic replenishment due to maintenance, leaks, blowdown, or emergency replacement.
- Raeden is also permitted to withdraw 1 million+ gallons of water per day, despite stating they’ll only need 200,000 gallons one time.

Two town halls (4/7/26 and 5/14/26) were held with significant concerns from the community about water, energy, and noise impacts.
Onemeeting (6/4) was held where the data center plans were discussed by the planning commision. Those who were receiving emails with project updates from Daniel Sexton, LUR/DRE Planning Manager, were not informed of this meeting.
Raeden emphasized zoning compliance, reuse of existing structure, and utility capacity
The City officials leaned toward the project meeting code and can proceed under existing zoning framework.
On June 11th, less than three months after project submission, the City approved the project through administrative planning review (not a voter referendum) despite unaddressed sustained public concerns.

There was heavy reliance on developer-provided data without independent review of water, energy, noise, or cumulative community and environmental impacts.
The City had an insufficient response to public scrutiny and concerns of a large-scale 24/7 industrial AI facility.
Zoning hasn’t been updated to account for modern AI-scale impacts.
Infrastructure adequacy was not fully evaluated.
Raeden is eligible to pursue a Economic Development Special Contract to lower their electricity bills, and they’re permitted to withdraw significantly more water than they say they’ll need

We have another meeting on Tuesday, 6/16 at 6pm!
This will be a continuation of the work we did on Sunday regarding appeals research, opposition strategy, and future plans.
If you didn’t make it to our last meeting, you’re still welcome to join this time!
Register at this link to join us.

Email City Council about your concerns about this project and disappointment in an expedited approval:
- allcouncil@coloradosprings.gov
Sign the petition for a moratorium on data centers in Colorado Springs. See here.
Please reach out to us to collaborate on an appeal, especially if you live within 1000 feet of the data center at 1565 High Tech Way, or if you live within 3 miles and have “preserved standing” by submitting public comment
- Please come to our meeting Tuesday 6/16 at 6pm if you can make it!

A Project Taurus Meeting on City Council Steps