Commissioner: Prometheus data center developers consider new Natrona County site
Developers of the Prometheus Hyperscale data center are considering relocating the project to a new site in Natrona County, Wyoming, south of Interstate 25. This move follows significant opposition from neighboring landowners concerned about noise, heat, fumes, and traffic at the original Falls Ranch location. The Natrona County Board of Commissioners was updated on these plans and also discussed drafting flexible zoning rules for agricultural parcels.
Developers for the Prometheus Hyperscale data center are exploring a new site in Natrona County, Wyoming, due to strong local opposition. Development Director Sabrina Kemper informed the Natrona County Board of Commissioners that the developers are now considering a parcel south of Interstate 25 for the entire data center project.
The original plans positioned the data center buildings in Converse County with a workforce hub and power generation in Natrona County, specifically on Falls Ranch property between I-25 and Old Glenrock Highway. However, this proposal faced fierce pushback from nearby landowners who voiced concerns about potential impacts, including noise, heat, fumes, and increased traffic. Commissioner Peter Nicolaysen, a neighboring landowner to the initial site, confirmed developers indicated the new location would be approximately 2 to 2.5 miles from his family's ranch.
In other county business, the board directed staff to draft flexible zoning rules for agricultural parcels that have natural or artificial divisions, such as rivers or highways. County Attorney Ashley Smith and Kemper sought guidance on amending variance language for parcels in the Ranching, Agricultural, and Mining (RAM) zoning district, which currently requires a 35-acre minimum. The commissioners supported finding a solution to prevent property owners from facing undue hardship due to these divisions.