Cheyenne Council Votes On Proposed Data Center Moratorium
The Cheyenne City Council voted 8-1 against a proposed 12-month moratorium on new data centers, despite concerns raised by some residents and officials regarding water usage, electricity, and environmental impacts. Opponents of the moratorium argued it would hinder economic development and job creation in the city. Only Councilman Mark Moody, the measure's sponsor, voted in favor of the proposal.
The Cheyenne City Council decisively voted 8-1 against a proposed 12-month moratorium on new data centers in the city on Tuesday night. The measure, sponsored by Councilman Mark Moody, was the subject of hours of public comment, highlighting a clear division among residents and officials regarding the balance between economic development and local impacts. The vote against the moratorium followed a prior decision by the council's Public Services Committee not to issue a recommendation on the matter.
State Rep. Daniel Singh, testifying via Zoom, argued in favor of the moratorium, stating it would provide time to address concerns about data center impacts and develop new regulations. He emphasized that local government has the authority to protect residential areas through zoning, dismissing claims of "hostility to growth." Moratorium supporters also voiced concerns over water usage, electricity consumption, public health, and potential environmental impacts.
Conversely, union members and long-time residents spoke against the proposal. Marcie Kindred of the AFL-CIO contended that a moratorium would harm the community by protecting the "status quo" and hindering job creation. Resident Corey Lewis warned that the moratorium "would do more harm than good for the development of Cheyenne," emphasizing the need for new growth to attract and retain families. Council member Jeff White expressed a general opposition to moratoriums on specific businesses, citing potential negative economic precedents.