This commentary is by Dr. Simona Martin, a pediatric hospital medicine physician and advocate with Healthy Air & Water Colorado, a nonprofit focused on health and climate issues.
Colorado finds itself at an important juncture. Currently, about 50 data centers operate in our state, with more planned, especially in Denver and Weld County. These facilities are crucial for our digital economy, supporting everything from streaming to artificial intelligence.
As a doctor, I’ve seen how AI is already changing healthcare. It can help manage patient records and track disease outbreaks. When used responsibly, AI can make our health system stronger. However, rapid growth without regulations can have serious consequences.
Enter Senate Bill 26-102, a new law backed by Sen. Cathy Kipp and Rep. Kyle Brown. It aims to create a solid framework for expanding data centers without damaging public health, clean air, or our water supply.
Data centers use a massive amount of energy—some consume as much electricity as entire neighborhoods. When many centers cluster in one area, they can strain our electrical grid. If new facilities don’t take on their share of costs for infrastructure improvements, the burden falls on local families already facing high utility bills.
SB 26-102 ensures these centers pay their fair share. It’s a simple and fair principle: those who drive demand should shoulder the costs.
From a health standpoint, rising energy bills can be detrimental. Families may have to choose between paying for utilities and groceries or medicines, affecting their well-being. This is not just a financial issue; it directly impacts health.
Moreover, increased electricity demands can harm air quality. If this demand is met by extending the lifespan of fossil fuel plants, communities nearby will bear the consequences. Pollutants from these sources can cause respiratory issues and heart problems, particularly affecting children. In Colorado, we’re already contending with wildfire smoke and heat waves due to climate change. New pollution sources would only worsen these challenges.
There’s also the concern about diesel backup generators used in data centers for uninterrupted operations. While they provide reliability, they can pollute the air significantly during testing and outages. This poses a tangible risk for nearby communities, especially for vulnerable populations.
SB 26-102 mandates that new, large-scale facilities use 100% clean electricity. This not only supports economic growth but also aligns with our climate goals, reducing unnecessary pollution and protecting community health.
Water usage is an equally critical issue. Many data centers depend on water-intensive cooling systems. Given Colorado’s struggles with drought, thorough evaluation of water demands is crucial. SB 26-102 sets guidelines for responsible water use, ensuring local resources are not depleted recklessly.
Some may argue we must act quickly to attract tech investments and address impacts later. However, as physicians, we know that prevention is always more effective and less costly than treating problems after they occur.
Colorado can take the lead in balancing digital innovation with public health. The pace of data center expansion makes swift action necessary. Once facilities are established, correcting course becomes significantly harder.
SB 26-102 does not hinder innovation; it clarifies expectations: pay your own way, protect utility customers, use clean energy, and respect community health. Public health should be central in economic development discussions.
As a physician, I witness how environmental factors shape health. Clean air reduces the risk of asthma, affordable electricity ensures safe living conditions, and reliable water supplies prevent crises. These are essential for a thriving Colorado and are not partisan priorities.
With around 50 data centers already in Colorado and more on the way, we must establish mandatory guidelines now. SB 26-102 offers a balanced approach, promoting innovation while safeguarding public health.
Our digital future should not put our communities’ health at risk. This law ensures that it won’t.
