Fremont County Commission continues weighing data center regulations as Aethel Energy eyes 500 MW project
Fremont County commissioners are considering how to regulate Aethel Energy’s proposed data center development near Lysite, including a potential 500 MW natural-gas-powered project. Residents have expressed opposition and concerns about impacts on land, water, wildlife and nearby property owners, while officials weigh zoning and economic benefits.
The Fremont County Commission continued discussing local regulations after Aethel Energy presented plans for a data center development near Lysite that could eventually include up to 500 MW of natural-gas-generated capacity. Aethel is also developing a smaller 1 MW, grid-powered facility that could be commissioned soon, according to County Planning Director Steve Baumann.
Baumann said Fremont County has limited authority because it does not have a countywide zoning ordinance, though officials could consider data-center-specific zoning or nuisance regulations. He recommended consulting residents before pursuing zoning, while Commissioner Clarence Thomas urged the county to act quickly after hearing from community members opposed to the projects.
Residents have raised concerns about effects on land and water resources, wildlife and neighboring properties. Commission Chairman Larry Allen said commissioners would continue the discussion and determine their next steps, while Baumann noted that data centers could also generate substantial local tax revenue.