Natrona County commissioners talk site tours, draft permit conditions for Prometheus data center proposal
Natrona County commissioners reviewed draft permit conditions and site-tour findings for Prometheus’ proposed 1.5-gigawatt data center campus near Casper. The project faces opposition over noise, pollution, water use, utility capacity, tax projections and its proposed attempt to bypass review by the Wyoming Industrial Siting Council, while the county has not yet received a formal application.
Natrona County commissioners discussed draft conditional-use permit conditions and recent site tours for Prometheus’ proposed 1.5-gigawatt data center campus on the Falls Ranch property south of Interstate 25 near Casper. The county is considering whether to use permit rules modeled on those in Uinta County, where Prometheus has proposed a similar project. Commissioners also discussed industrial zoning, water for construction, noise and light controls, and the planned use of stationary natural-gas generators supplied by Evansville-based Mesa Power Solutions.
Commissioner Kevin Nicolaysen said he would recuse himself because the proposed site borders his family’s property. Other commissioners expressed interest in the project’s potential tax benefits but emphasized that promises must be documented. Residents and conservation groups continued to challenge the proposal, citing generator noise, air pollution, water consumption, traffic, property values, tax exemptions and uncertain employment projections. County officials said Prometheus has not filed a formal application; any proposal would first undergo review by the Natrona County Planning and Zoning Commission and public hearings before a final commission vote.