Moody: Cheyenne data center 12-month moratorium a win for smart planning
Cheyenne, Wyoming, is considering a 12-month moratorium on new data center construction due to concerns about the industry's rapid expansion. City Council member Mark A. Moody sponsored the moratorium, citing potential impacts on the power grid, water supply, land use, and security. The proposal will be discussed at an upcoming City Council meeting.
Cheyenne City Council member Mark A. Moody has sponsored a proposed 12-month moratorium on new data center construction in Cheyenne, Wyoming, citing concerns over the rapid expansion's long-term impacts. The proposal comes amidst circulating petitions and intensified skepticism following the planned annexation of ranch land for development. The moratorium is intended to allow the city to thoroughly analyze future power needs, water demand, land use, and security implications before committing to irreversible development.
Moody highlighted several key issues, including potential strain on the power grid if existing data centers outgrow their private substations and tap into the main supply, which could negate protections for residents. While current data centers use a small percentage of Cheyenne's water, projections for 40-70 facilities raise questions about cumulative water draw in the semi-arid region. Security is also a concern, as a dense cluster of data centers in a rural state like Wyoming could become an attractive target.
Furthermore, Moody emphasized the potential impact on agriculture, a cornerstone of Laramie County's economy. Industrial demand driving up land values could price out ranchers and farmers, leading to the loss of agricultural land. The proposed moratorium is framed not as anti-growth but as pro-planning, seeking sustainable development. The Cheyenne City Council is scheduled to discuss the matter on Tuesday, May 26.