Wyoming Data Center Boom Spurs $66 Billion Project and Debate Over State Oversight
Wyoming is experiencing a rapid expansion of data center development, including a proposed $66 billion project near Lost Cabin in Fremont County and dozens of current or planned facilities around Cheyenne. The growth is exposing gaps in county zoning, state oversight, tax policy and infrastructure planning, while officials and residents debate the economic benefits against concerns about water, power, pollution, noise and public costs.
Data center development is accelerating across Wyoming, with about 25 current or planned facilities in Laramie County and a major project taking shape near Lost Cabin in Fremont County. Fremont County commissioners say the project’s first phase is part of a planned $66 billion development, although the state lacks a central system for tracking projects and Fremont County has no zoning controls.
The article examines how developers can sometimes avoid review by the Wyoming Industrial Siting Council through industrial park designations and local agreements. Officials and lawmakers, including U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman, state Sen. Cale Case and state Sen. Chris Rothfuss, called for stronger oversight or more meaningful local control, while Gov. Mark Gordon and business advocates emphasized the potential for jobs, tax revenue and economic diversification.
Residents, environmental advocates and labor representatives raised concerns about water use, air quality, electricity demand, noise, infrastructure costs and the limited number of permanent jobs. Prometheus withdrew a proposed Natrona County project while continuing work in Uinta County, and Wyoming lawmakers are considering changes to data center tax treatment as the state weighs how to manage the industry’s growth.