Fremont County, Wyoming, considers data center regulations amid resident concerns
A small data center in Lost Cabin, Fremont County, Wyoming, is sparking debate among county commissioners regarding the need for specific zoning or regulations for data centers. Residents have raised concerns about water, noise, and the county's limited oversight. The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality is currently reviewing a permit for the data center's emergency generators.
A data center project by ETC DC OpCo LLC in Lost Cabin, Fremont County, Wyoming, has prompted significant discussion among Fremont County commissioners and local residents about the county's authority over data center developments. During a recent meeting, commissioners discussed the possibility of implementing data-center-specific zoning or other regulations.
Residents expressed concerns about potential impacts, including water consumption, noise pollution, and the overall development footprint. The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality's Air Quality Division is currently proposing to approve a permit for eight natural-gas-fired emergency generator engines at the 1 MW DC Site, which would total 4,832 horsepower. While the application identifies High Plains Power as the normal electricity source, Commission Chairman Larry Allen mentioned information suggesting the facility might use gas from a nearby field to power generators.
Officials noted that Fremont County currently has limited regulatory authority over such projects in unincorporated areas without specific zoning. Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon recently signed an executive order establishing a “Wyoming Data Center Development Framework” to encourage development while emphasizing environmental protection and local benefits, but it does not alter local land-use authority. State Senator Cale Case and State Representative Pepper Ottman offered suggestions, including narrowly-tailored county zoning or development agreements, as commissioners agreed to continue researching their options to address resident concerns.