Guest Column: Wyoming Should Not Fear Artificial Intelligence Or Data Centers
Wyoming is at a turning point, with guest columnist Matt Micheli arguing that the state is uniquely positioned to become a leader in the artificial intelligence and data center industries. The state's abundant energy resources and favorable business climate offer a competitive advantage. Micheli advocates for thoughtful policies to embrace this new economic opportunity, emphasizing protection of water resources and ratepayers.
Wyoming, a long-standing energy supplier for the nation, is now at a crucial juncture with the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and its foundational data centers. Matt Micheli, an attorney in Cheyenne and former chairman of the Wyoming Republican Party, asserts in a guest column that Wyoming is uniquely positioned to capitalize on this emerging demand.
The state's significant energy production, diverse power supply from natural gas, coal, and nuclear, ample land, and business-friendly environment provide a competitive edge for data center development. Micheli highlights that technology companies are already investing in Wyoming, generating substantial economic activity through construction, skilled jobs, and increased demand for local energy resources. Data center investment reportedly accounted for 92 percent of GDP growth in the first half of 2025 nationally, despite representing only four percent of total U.S. GDP.
While acknowledging public concerns about power needs, Micheli emphasizes that data centers contribute significantly more economic activity than they consume. He calls for Wyoming to enact "smart policies" similar to those adopted for its traditional energy sectors. These policies should prioritize protecting water resources and ratepayers, modernizing electric infrastructure, streamlining permitting processes, and fostering partnerships between utilities, developers, and communities. He also stresses the importance of workforce development to ensure Wyoming residents benefit from new job opportunities.
Micheli concludes by framing the issue within a broader national context, arguing that Wyoming's expansion of energy capacity and welcoming of AI infrastructure can strengthen America's technological leadership against global competitors like China, securing economic growth and future opportunities for its communities.