Cheyenne City Council votes down proposed 12-month data center moratorium

The Cheyenne City Council held an extended meeting, concluding after midnight, to debate a proposed 12-month moratorium on new data center construction within city limits. Sponsored by Ward 3 Councilman Mark Moody, the ordinance aimed to provide city staff time to study the impacts of data centers on the environment, power grid, electricity rates, and water usage, while exempting existing or under-construction facilities.

Public comment spanned over three hours, revealing a divided community. Proponents of the moratorium, including resident Heather Madrid who organized a petition, voiced fears about rapid, unsustainable growth and its effect on Cheyenne's character. Resident Elizabeth Marvin emphasized that constituents were "terrified" and that eternal growth could not be sustained. In contrast, opponents, many of whom were labor union workers in data center construction, argued against the moratorium, advocating for thoughtful planning over a complete halt to development.

Ultimately, the proposed moratorium was rejected in an 8-1 vote during its second reading, with Councilman Moody being the sole supporter. Council members Pete Laybourn (Ward 1) and Michelle Aldrich (Ward 3) expressed skepticism that a moratorium was the right solution, with Aldrich highlighting existing protections. Ward 1 Councilman Jeff White praised Cheyenne and Laramie County's leadership in data center development, positioning Wyoming as a standard-setter for the industry. Mayor Patrick Collins had previously indicated that Cheyenne already hosts multiple data center campuses with additional facilities under construction.