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Teller County imposes moratorium on major utility projects pending land-use rules
Summary
The board adopted Resolution 0609202619 imposing a moratorium on the acceptance, processing, or approval of major utility projects (including commercial battery storage, solar farms, geothermal projects, nuclear plants and data centers) in unincorporated Teller County until specific land-use regulations are adopted.
The Teller County Board of County Commissioners voted on June 9 to adopt a resolution (0609202619) imposing a countywide moratorium on major utility projects, including commercial battery energy storage, large solar energy collection systems, geothermal facilities, nuclear power plants, and data centers. County planning staff had reported receiving inquiries about such projects and said existing land-use regulations do not sufficiently address them.
The county attorney read the resolution and cited the board's authority under Colorado law to adopt moratoria for the preservation of public health, safety, and welfare. Commissioner Campbell moved to approve the resolution and Commissioner Williams seconded; the measure passed by roll call. Commissioner Williams and others framed the moratorium as a common action among Colorado counties to preserve time for deliberate regulation and to guard against rapid, out-of-state corporate proposals that could seek expedited approvals.
Public commenter Greg Lieberman supported the moratorium, saying the county needs a process to decide "where they should go and how they should go" and to evaluate potential impacts. The resolution exempts ongoing water-system work and will remain in place until the board adopts new land-use regulations addressing these project types.
