Cheyenne To Join National Protest Against Data Centers; Detractors Laugh At Them
Cheyenne, Wyoming residents are joining a national protest against data center expansion, particularly targeting Microsoft's developments in the area. Organizers are launching a petition drive to overturn recent City Council actions on the annexation and rezoning of 3,200 acres for data centers. Opponents cite concerns about electricity, water, traffic, noise, environmental impacts, and property values.
Residents in Cheyenne, Wyoming, are set to participate in a nationwide protest against the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence data centers, with a rally planned for Saturday at the Wyoming Capitol steps. The event is spearheaded by M. Lee Hasenauer, a candidate for Laramie County commissioner, and is part of a larger movement organized by Humans First, a conservative advocacy group.
The protest specifically targets recent Cheyenne City Council actions that approved the annexation and rezoning of 3,200 acres for Microsoft data center development. Organizers plan to launch a petition drive immediately after the rally, aiming to collect 3,000 signatures within 20 days to force a repeal vote on these decisions by both City Council and potentially Laramie County residents.
Opponents of data centers, including rally speaker Dr. Taylor Haynes, raise concerns about increased electricity and water demand, traffic, noise, environmental impacts, and potential decreases in property values. This local debate comes amidst a broader national conversation, highlighted by New York Governor Kathy Hochul's announcement of a statewide pause on new hyperscale data center approvals, a move criticized by Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon who advocates for embracing technological growth.
While some, like Cowboy State Daily columnist Rod Miller, dismiss the opposition as resistant to progress, he acknowledges legitimate questions remain about data centers' impact on Wyoming's electrical grid and water resources. State Rep. Landon Brown also expressed concerns that Hasenauer's involvement might undermine the credibility of the movement, despite acknowledging valid citizen concerns.