The Data Center Divide
A policy snapshot ahead of the 2026 midterms. Mapping data center incentives, restrictions, and bans through legislation, regulations, and executive actions across all 50 states and 1,462 local jurisdictions.
Rio Blanco County
This restriction takes precedence while in effect. The rating below excludes temporary restrictions.
Pro-Data Center Policies
Rio Blanco County has enacted a six-month pause on new data-center land-use applications in unincorporated areas, delaying proposals there; it does not directly prohibit operations or apply elsewhere.
Rating from Colorado statewide as there are no scored current or future laws outside temporary restrictions for Rio Blanco County.
Specific to Rio Blanco County only.
current law · Reportedly projects located wholly or partially in unincorporated Rio Blanco CountyProhibits Rio Blanco County from accepting or processing land-use applications for data centers in unincorporated areas for six months, unless the moratorium ends earlier or is extended.Rio Blanco County Resolution 2026-21
What this means
The measure would pause new data-center land-use applications in unincorporated Rio Blanco County for six months, creating a major delay for projects there (six-month moratorium). It does not directly bar operations or cover places outside the county’s unincorporated area, but the pause fits the anchor for a short-term moratorium.
People behind it
- Callie Scritchfield
Commission Chair; reported present at the July 21 meeting, individual vote unverified
- Jennifer O’Hearon
Commissioner; reported present, individual vote unverified
- Doug Overton
Commissioner participating remotely; individual vote unverified
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements1
Reported moratorium prohibiting accepting, reviewing or acting on land-use applications for data center projects located wholly or partially in unincorporated Rio Blanco County
Sources
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