Colorado Springs Planning Commission Hearing on Project Taurus Data Center Appeal - August 3, 2026

This meeting of the Colorado Springs Planning Commission was held on August 3, 2026, to hear public testimony on an appeal of the administrative approval of Project Taurus, a proposed AI data center by Raiden (also referred to as Raden) near Garden of the Gods Road. The meeting began at 11:30 AM and continued into the evening, with three hours allotted for public comment. Over 50 speakers registered, and the commission heard from approximately 30 individuals before taking a recess with 46 minutes remaining. The overwhelming majority of speakers opposed the project, citing concerns about water scarcity, air and noise pollution, lack of transparency, property values, and environmental impacts on wildlife and human health.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Speaker 1 (National leader on the Status Center conversation): Expressed concern about undisclosed chemicals in water used for cooling, comparing to PFAS and fracking. Stated that the project repeats past mistakes absent state policy on transparency. Urged the commission to require disclosure of wastewater utility capabilities and costs.
• Dr. Tracy Musgrove (Environmental toxicologist): Opposed the project due to severe air quality risks. Noted the facility would be a 100-megawatt industrial installation with 72 chillers and 60 emergency backup generators. Described three sizes of particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5) from diesel exhaust, linking to asthma, bronchitis, and cardiovascular disease. Stated she developed asthma from living in Lubbock, Texas.
• Leela (Concerned teacher and resident): Opposed the project, citing rushed and inconsistent communication from Raiden. Claimed phase one was initially 50 megawatts and 200,000 gallons of water, but later rhetoric changed. Questioned transparency and alleged a conflict of interest with Brownstein Hyatt Farber Shreck (lobbying for Raiden and City Council). Alleged former Mayor Southers told Raiden they would receive a waiver. Called for slowing down and updating city code.
• Matt Styes (US Army veteran, UCCS alum): Opposed the project, stating that as a generator mechanic, he required hearing protection but low frequencies were not provided. Argued that the push for AI infrastructure is a false national security priority. Stated that local concerns should supersede federal interests. Urged commissioners to choose sustaining life and long-term vision over short-term gains.
• Lindsay Stevenson (Colorado native, leader at a large employer): Not anti-AI but anti-no regulation. Stated that the US has almost half of all data centers globally (5,500) with 1,500 in pipeline, and $25 billion per month invested in AI infrastructure. Noted that the top five countries for data centers all have regulations except the US. Called for a moratorium until regulations are in place.
• Kay Davis (32-year resident, Chelsea Glen): Opposed the project, concerned about selling her house. Stated that no one would want to buy a home near the data center.
• Hosway Flores (Concerned resident): Opposed the project due to water use, electrical grid strain, and environmental impact. Raised doubts about serving long-term interests of Colorado Springs. Stated that working families should not be pushed aside for corporate profit.
• Robin Warren (Teacher): Opposed, questioning economic development for whom. Cited Elon Musk and Anthropic CEO warnings about AI eliminating jobs. Noted a CNBC report that 55,000 jobs lost last year were due to AI. Asked if the project is for valuable reasons or to eliminate jobs and enable mass surveillance.
• John Tigan (40-year resident): Opposed, stating that generational decisions should not be made without knowing true costs. Criticized the approval process (44 review cycles) and noted that the same acoustic firm reviewed the Ford Amphitheater (which had noise issues). Asked why the site was chosen near neighborhoods instead of industrial areas. Requested answers on permanent jobs, hazardous materials, fire safety, and cleanup costs.
• Noah Kavika Lauhi (Resident across from Garden of the Gods): Opposed, stating the board approved a project opposed by residents without basis. Called the project a product of an unregulated system. Stated that residents will not accept water shutoffs. Warned that if the board approves, residents will ensure no construction.
• Colleen Andre (Small business owner, vintage store): Opposed, citing alarming unknowns. Mentioned a record high temperature of 99°F on June 17, 2026, in Colorado Springs. Called for a moratorium until effects are better understood. Stated that water is a basic human right.
• Jamie Valdez (Green Latinos, Environmental Justice Action Task Force): Opposed, citing environmental justice principles. Stated that Colorado Springs Utilities cannot meet state climate goals already. Called for the precautionary principle, noting that the developer must prove no harm. Criticized holding an all-day hearing on a weekday that excludes working families.
• Rebecca Hanson (Resident): Opposed, summarizing concerns as air and water. Noted a formal drought emergency declared by Governor Polis, with 56% of El Paso County in severe drought. Mentioned 13 wildfires in 2026 consuming 273,464 acres, with four fatalities. Raised risk of water contamination from chemical discharge.
• AJ Ninhusser (Resident): Opposed, stating that residents do not want a California-based AI data center next to Garden of the Gods. Raised concerns about noise from chillers and diesel generators, water management of closed-loop systems, property values, and few permanent jobs. Asked for reversal of approval.
• Joanne Jones (West side resident): Opposed, calling for a moratorium until codes are updated. Urged the commission to learn from neighboring cities and do better for future generations.
• Samuel Plunkett (Queer, unemployed resident): Opposed, stating that 100 megawatts can power over 50,000 homes. Noted entropy and heat rising. Stated there is no perfect closed-loop system. Distrusted the developer's claim of not using full capacity.
• Graham Clute (27-year resident): Opposed, suggesting an alternative use: a solar panel manufacturing facility. Urged the commission to explore that option.
• Sarah Griffin (Resident, grandmother): Opposed, stating the US has 45% of data centers worldwide (5,427), almost double the next nine countries combined. Noted that China did not make the top 10. Warned about infrasound (below 20 Hz) affecting neurodivergent individuals. Questioned the number of parking spaces (10) for a claimed 100 employees.
• Sarah Garlic (21-year resident): Opposed, citing noise levels. Stated that 85 decibels is dangerous, 65 decibels increases blood pressure. Warned of infrasound and electromagnetic radiation syndrome. Noted that Raiden's own model shows 65 dB after barriers, plus 41 dB from chillers, totaling 87 dB. Raised concerns about wildlife (honeybees, bighorn sheep). Called for third-party reviews.
• Emily Elkins (4-year resident): Opposed, stating she was drawn to Colorado Springs for nature. Argued that the project was approved without public knowledge. Noted the drought and fires. Stated that AI is destroying resources and creating global issues. Called for investing in humans, not technology.
• Victoria Tonsky (Resident since 1981): Opposed, stating the experience of public testimony is the antithesis of AI. Noted that the generator yard, chiller yard, and 30-foot sound wall exceed original industrial zoning. Raised concern about bighorn sheep habitat. Stated the land is sacred and has environmental impact.
• Rebecca Congleton (Resident): Opposed, stating Raiden withheld critical information. Noted that initial studies showed 200 permanent jobs, but now 60-100, and only 10 parking spaces. Asked what kind of world is being handed to children.
• Anonymous Speaker: Opposed, accusing CSU employees of conflict of interest and anger over solar panel access. Called the project a money grab.
• Joe Nybe (Kissing Camels resident, 15 years): Opposed, questioning the legal standing of the owner authorization form. Stated that El Paso County property records show 3G Venture as owner, not Raiden. Asked the commission to vote to overturn the approval due to misrepresentation.
• Dante Liberado (Resident): Opposed, commending the courage of speakers. Stated that the opinion of those living next to the data center should matter more than sound engineers.
• Angela Alvarado (Native Colorado Springs resident, third generation): Opposed, stating the commission failed citizens by approving the project. Noted that Raiden provided poor engineering plans. Criticized that only five employees would be on site. Felt the city is a dumping ground.
• Ethan (Colorado College student): Opposed, urging the commission to take a just stance and reverse the decision. Stated that the project is already condemned by the public.
• Angela Eagle (Precinct organizer, Springs Politics on TikTok): Opposed, citing worsening fires, water scarcity, and bighorn sheep habitat. Stated that data centers are resource drains and create liabilities for air, noise, water, and grid. Called for prioritizing human lives over short-term gains.
• Griffin Ash (Auto repair shop owner, YouTube creator): Opposed, using KISS principle. Stated that everyone in the room does not want the datacenter. Urged commissioners to stand up against corporations.
• Tom Carter (Resident): Opposed, explaining that the noise ordinance uses A-weighted decibels which discount low frequency sound. Stated that low frequency noise from chillers penetrates walls and sound walls only absorb 10% at 63 Hz. Asked for C-weighted octave band analysis and adoption of ISO 1996.
• Dr. Thomas Martin Key (UCCS professor, digital strategy): Not anti-AI, but urged the commission to step back and be thoughtful. Stated that the technology is fraught with unknown unknowns and does not fall neatly into existing categories. Commended the critical thinking shown by speakers.
• Eva Sarovi (42-year resident): Opposed, noting that zoning can change (e.g., Old Colorado City was industrial). Noted that Coronado High School is 1.6 miles from the site, Jackson Elementary 0.5 miles. Asked if the city is ready for lawsuits from damage to children's health.
• Angela Carr (Resident near Garden of the Gods): Opposed, stating Garden of the Gods is the heart of the city. Cited Yale University studies that heat islands from data centers can increase local temperatures by up to 4°F (or 16°F in extreme cases). Raised fire risk. Noted that surrounding communities have put moratoriums, including New York state.
• Dorothy McNack (Pinecliffe resident, BA in geography): Opposed, stating Raiden used corporate gaslighting. Claimed the project was marketed as 50 MW but actual blueprints show 100 MW hyperscale. Noted double the noise and air pollution from 72 chillers and 60 generators. Raised concern about indirect water use at power plants. Noted that the site is 0.9 miles from bighorn sheep winter range habitat.
• Michelle McMahon (Ute Valley resident, 40 years): Opposed, stating that the soul of the city is at stake. Called the AI industry extractivist, with unethical harvesting of data and slave wages. Requested a moratorium on any data center approval until scientific inquiry is complete.
• Janae Hansen (Resident): Opposed, stating the data center is energetic genocide to nervous systems, land, water, and animals. Called for honoring indigenous and sacred relationships.
• Kathy Smith (Lorax speaker): Opposed, stating there are no environmental standards. Noted that the site is near the area devastated by the Waldo Canyon fire 13 years ago. Urged the commission to meet the moment with integrity.
• Timothy Dukes Wolfe (Resident, 4 years, grandfather): Opposed, stating he is an Eagle Scout and former CISA auditor. Stated that Project Taurus is not necessary; there are plenty of data centers across the US.
• Anna Van Hohn (Resident, 20 years): Opposed, citing drought, low snowpack, and water obligations to other states. Noted that Garden of the Gods is a natural wonder. Stated that short-term financial benefits cannot outweigh harm.
• Barbara Hart (Registered independent voter): Opposed, stating the Colorado River is two-thirds down. Noted that the Air Force Academy and Fort Carson have solar panels; asked if Raiden offered solar. Stated that water is for fighting, not drinking.
• Juliana Pritchard (Lifetime resident): Opposed, citing air pollution from backup generators. Noted that selective catalytic reduction systems produce dangerous particulate matter. Stated that air pollution increases cancer, cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disease. Asked about the impact on a high school 1.5 miles away.
• Larissa Hoon (Resident): Opposed, stating the problem is not understanding but trust. Claimed Raiden's claims of 200,000 gallons one-time use and 60-100 jobs are not trusted. Noted that the previous Bitcoin mining operation by 3G Ventures took years to resolve noise complaints. Asked what consequences Raiden would face if noise levels cause harm.
• Sarah DeBusque (Hairstylist, mother of a child with severe asthma): Opposed, citing health impacts from diesel generators and low-frequency vibrations. Stated that data centers increase electromagnetic field exposure, linked to childhood leukemia. Asked for consideration of children with pre-existing conditions.
• Robert Ibarra (Chelsea Glen resident, 19 years, Army veteran): Opposed, stating the 30-foot wall is misleading because the neighborhood is on a hill above the site. Urged commissioners to do the right thing and be able to talk to their grandchildren about the decision.

Discussion Items

• The commission did not engage in substantive discussion during the public comment period. The chair noted that the time allotted for public comment was three hours, and the clock was stopped between speakers. After a recess, the chair reminded attendees to remain calm and respectful, stating that the commission wants to hear from everyone. The meeting was still in progress with 46 minutes remaining for public comment when the transcript ends.

Key Outcomes

• No decisions or votes were recorded during the portion of the meeting transcribed. The commission was hearing public testimony on the appeal of the administrative approval of Project Taurus. The overwhelming majority of speakers opposed the project and urged the commission to reverse the approval. Several speakers also called for a moratorium on data centers until proper regulations are in place. The meeting was ongoing with additional speakers remaining.