City Council votes down proposed 12-month data center moratorium
The Cheyenne City Council voted down a proposed 12-month moratorium on data center development within city limits. The decision followed nearly three-and-a-half hours of public comment, which was split between supporters and opponents of the measure. The proposed ordinance would have allowed city staff to study the impact of data centers on the environment, power grid, electricity rates, and water usage.
The Cheyenne City Council held an extended meeting that ran past midnight, culminating in an 8-1 vote to reject a proposed 12-month moratorium on data center development within city limits. Councilman Mark Moody was the sole vote in favor of the ordinance he sponsored.
The proposed moratorium aimed to temporarily halt the construction or conversion of buildings for data center use, excluding those already in operation, under construction, or undergoing repair. It also mandated city staff to study the environmental impact, strain on the power grid, electricity rates, and water usage associated with data centers.
Public comment during the meeting was extensive and divided, mirroring a previous Public Services Committee discussion. Many labor union workers and technology advancement proponents spoke against the moratorium, arguing that data centers offer significant opportunities. Conversely, residents like Heather Madrid, organizer of a petition seeking a development hold, and Elizabeth Marvin expressed fear and concern about rapid, unsustainable growth and the potential loss of Cheyenne's unique character.
Despite community concerns, several council members, including Pete Laybourn, Michelle Aldrich, and Jeff White, voiced their belief that Cheyenne is effectively managing data center development and does not require a moratorium. Mayor Patrick Collins had previously indicated the city already hosts a number of data centers, with more under construction.