The Greeley Tribune laid out the basics: the state House is weighing HB26-1030, a bill that would give qualifying data center operators a full state sales tax exemption for 20 years, and it lands right as an AI data center is being explored on the former Carestream Health site at 2000 Howard Smith Avenue W, between Windsor and Greeley.
Here’s why normal people in Weld and across Colorado should care. Data centers are not some abstract tech thing. They support online banking, email, streaming, and even 911 geolocation services. But they also come with real local impacts: land use, big construction activity, property tax revenue, water, and especially power. If we get this right, it can diversify our tax base and create jobs. If we get it wrong, it can hammer infrastructure and leave regular ratepayers holding the bag.
It’s interesting how controversial data centers have become. I understand the trepidation. At the very time when our aging electric grid is showing its vulnerabilities, a land use comes along that swills power like the Rat Pack did bourbon. And the democrats in the state legislature, complete with renewable mandates, are not helping the situation any. I get it.
On the water question, the reporting includes county staff saying water limitations will not be an issue, and that Global AI described a liquid-cooling system that recycles water with minimal annual loss, comparable to a single-family home. That’s encouraging, and it matches what I’ve been saying: the water consumption that was once a concern around these facilities can be put to rest, the new closed-loop systems are much more water-efficient, and the cooling technology improves every day. Still, “trust us” is not a plan. Water stewardship strategies are part of the bill. Good. Now show the work in the formal site plan and permitting process.
And the power? Well, that’s real. This bill requires energy efficiency standards, but let’s not kid ourselves. Efficiency is not the same thing as capacity. Back when I sat in service of the town of Johnstown, the only way we would approve a new subdivision was if the developer would deed the appropriate amount of water to the town. Same logic applies here. The only way they can be approved is if they show a commitment from a power provider that says they will provide the necessary juice WITHOUT jacking the rates on the normie consumer.
If HB26-1030 is going to hand out a 20-year sales tax exemption, the public deserves clear guardrails and accountability. What exactly triggers the incentive? The article says $250 million invested in five years, full-time employees within two years, plus water and energy standards. Fine. But the incentives should not become a blank check while counties and residents eat the infrastructure risk.
Credit where credit is due: Mullica and Valdez are reasonable legislators. And I appreciate efforts to keep Colorado competitive for investment, including energy choices that actually work.
Data centers present an opportunity for Weld County and our citizens. We should move forward with cautious optimism and not fear of the unknown.
If the state is going to offer a 20-year tax break, the public deserves enforceable proof on power supply and rate impacts, plus a water plan that is more than “trust us.”
I will keep asking for clear commitments and local conditions up front, so we do not socialize the risk after the ribbon cutting.
Source: Greeley Tribune
