Project Taurus is a proposed data center near Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs. Multiple community groups have filed appeals to the city’s administrative approval of the project. Where to from here? Ciara and Riss from 350 Colorado Springs discuss.

In a time of alternative facts as well as the ability to buy credibility and manipulate human behavior, how do we go about fighting extractive, ecological monstrosities in our communities? These fights are proving to be Place-based and contextual, so Ciara and Riss begin with a part of the wider picture.

Mentioned in the Episode:

● Raeden: https://raeden.com/

● Residents appeal approval of data center in Colorado Springs: https://www.cpr.org/2026/06/24/data-center-colorado-springs-approval-appeal/

● Bruno Latour: https://www.bruno-latour.fr/books_and_edited_volumes.html

● The Age of Surveillance Capitalism: https://shoshanazuboff.com/book/about/

● Denver data center moratorium: https://www.denver7.com/follow-up/denver-city-council-unanimously-approves-one-year-moratorium-on-new-data-center-construction

● PuebloPlex: https://krdo.com/news/2026/03/31/weapons-facility-development-underway-in-southern-colorado/

● Honor the Earth: https://www.honorearth.org/stopdatacolonialism

Energy & Environment Committee Hearing dated 5/7/26

Colorado State House Reps we heard from, in order of appearance:

● Alex Valdez (Bill Sponsor of HB1030)

● Scott Slaugh

● Junie Joseph

● Dan Woog

Action Items

Email Daniel Sexton, the city planner at d[email protected]

Email city council at [email protected]

Contact county commissioners: https://citizenconnect-portal.elpasoco.com/FrontPortal/Page/RenderPage?tabId=7&searchParameter=srTypeId=4

Sign open letter to Mayor Yemi: https://www.change.org/p/open-letter-to-colorado-springs-mayor-yemi-mobolade-about-data-center-proposal

Attend City Council meetings every other Tues. and make public comment Find upcoming city council meeting dates here: https://coloradosprings.gov/node/154591:

Attend Colorado Springs Utilities Board meetings and use your voice. Find upcoming CSU board meeting dates here: https://www.csu.org/about/leadership/utilities-board

Attend Anti Data Center Action hours every other Thurs. at Penrose Library in downtown Colorado Springs - free parking with a PPLD library card. We’ll be in the Pine room at 5:45-6:45. July 2nd, 16th, 30th. Aug. 14th and 28th.

Follow some of the Project Taurus organizers on social media:

● No Data Center COS: https://www.instagram.com/no_data_center_cos/

● Zuri: https://www.instagram.com/zurihorowitz/

● Landon @landonliveslife: https://www.instagram.com/landonliveslife/

● Integrity Matters: https://www.facebook.com/IntegrityMattersCOS/

● Colorado Springs DSA: https://www.instagram.com/cospringsdsa/

● 350 Colorado Springs: https://www.instagram.com/350coloradosprings/

This episode of Peak Environment was contributed by 350 Colorado Springs, https://350colorado.org/colorado-springs/ a grassroots environmental group focused on addressing the climate crisis in the city we call home, moving away from fossil fuels and building resilience for future generations.

Ciara Guerrero is a Team Coordinator for 350 Colorado Springs. After getting her foot in the door of big tech a decade ago and seeing behind the curtain, she was moved toward different path. She’s a student at Pikes Peak Permaculture https://pikespeakpermaculture.org/ and is a gardener and an environmental organizer in the Springs area.

Riss Banuelos is a Youth Organizer for 350 Colorado Springs. She is currently finishing her bachelor’s in anthropology at Colorado College, has been part of Sunrise Movement, and has been lucky enough to attend two United Nations’ climate COPs where her commitment to climate grew stronger and more inspired.

The following environment/sustainability organizations in the Pikes Peak region collaborate to produce the Peak Environment podcast about environmental stewardship, sustainable living and enlightened public policy in the Pikes Peak Region.

Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future https://peakallianceco.org/

Pikes Peak Permaculture https://www.pikespeakpermaculture.org/

https://350colorado.org/

GrowthBusters https://www.growthbusters.org

Keep up with all the organizations and events making our area a better place to live. Follow on your favorite podcast app so you don't miss an episode.