Cheyenne City Council to vote on climate action plan, data center impacts highlighted
The Cheyenne City Council is set to vote on a Comprehensive Climate Action Plan, developed with an EPA grant, that could impact data center development. A city council member argues against the plan, citing concerns about its potential negative impact on the local economy, housing costs, and data center development, specifically regarding electricity and water usage. He advocates for local decision-making over federal mandates for Cheyenne's future.
Mark A. Moody, a newly elected Ward 3 council member, urges the Cheyenne City Council to reject a proposed Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CCAP) before its vote on Monday, Sept. 28. The plan, developed with a Climate Pollution Reduction Grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), aims to reduce greenhouse gases, advance environmental justice, and accelerate a transition to cleaner energy. Moody contends that the CCAP, created by Lotus Engineering and Sustainability Consulting Firm, would negatively impact Cheyenne's economy, increase housing costs by promoting electric technologies and stricter building codes, and is ill-suited for Wyoming's rural environment and reliance on natural gas.
Moody particularly highlights the plan's insufficient attention to data centers, which he identifies as the largest issue facing Cheyenne, especially concerning their impact on land consumption, electricity rates, and water usage. He notes the plan acknowledges data centers' significant electricity and water consumption but fails to adequately address these concerns. Moody argues that such decisions should be made locally by Cheyenne residents, not driven by federal grants or previous federal administration policies, especially as national environmental policy is shifting. He encourages residents to voice their opinions at the upcoming City Council meeting.