Committee makes no recommendation on data center moratorium; public comment split

The Cheyenne City Council's Public Services Committee recently concluded a lengthy meeting without making a recommendation on a proposed 12-month temporary moratorium on data center development within the city. The ordinance, sponsored by Councilman Mark Moody, was inspired by local concerns, including a proposed annexation for a data center at Cox Ranch, and seeks to allow city staff to study the environmental, electricity, and water impacts of data centers. Public comment was significantly divided, with 21 speakers in favor and 23 against the moratorium, reflecting broad community debate.

Supporters expressed concerns about water usage, electricity rates, quality of life, and rapid industrial growth, with resident Donna Wolfe highlighting the "massive industrial growth" of 43 to 70 proposed centers. Resident Heather Madrid emphasized the need for cumulative impact studies and stated that "corporate billionaires" and "energy firms" fund data center support. Conversely, many labor union members, including Ryan Hale and Chloe Edmunds from Laborers Local 1271, strongly opposed the moratorium, citing the crucial job opportunities provided by data center construction, such as the Meta data center, which they say support their families and local economy.

Committee Chairwoman Kathy Emmons eventually called for a vote after no committee members initially moved to recommend the ordinance. Councilman Pete Laybourn's motion to recommend passage to the full City Council failed due to a lack of a second. Consequently, the ordinance will proceed to the full City Council on May 26 without a committee recommendation. Councilwoman Michelle Aldrich indicated she would not support the moratorium at the full council meeting, believing it would not provide the answers residents seek, emphasizing the need for "thoughtful and planned development" and accountability for businesses.