Gordon Orders 'Responsible' Data Center Development In Wyoming

Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon issued an executive order on Wednesday, directing state agencies to foster “responsible development of data centers and other large-load facilities.” The order emphasizes leveraging Wyoming's energy capacity and business environment while also mandating considerations for minimizing water consumption, protecting water quality and wildlife, ensuring public participation, and safeguarding residential utility customers from increased costs.

This statewide directive comes amidst significant local controversies regarding data center expansion. The Cheyenne City Council recently rejected a proposed moratorium on data center development following four hours of emotional public testimony. Concurrently, the Uinta County Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended permit approvals for a 1.25 gigawatt data center in Evanston, despite community pushback. Additionally, members of the Wind River Indian Reservation, including Wade LeBeau, have expressed strong indignation over a $50,000 grant awarded to the Northern Arapaho Tribe's government to study a large data center project on the reservation.

The article also notes that the Converse County Commission attempted to create a special industrial park for data centers but was advised by the Attorney General to rescind the vote due to a lack of an appropriate zoning system. Communities across Wyoming have voiced concerns about water pollution and consumption, noise, visual impacts, and the potential shift from the state's agricultural heritage, while proponents highlight revenue generation and job creation.