Opinion: All the disquietude about data centers
This opinion piece from the CEO of the Wyoming State Chamber of Commerce addresses public concerns about data centers in Wyoming, including power bills and water availability. It advocates for free enterprise, government transparency, and thoughtful regulation to ensure data centers are good neighbors. The author acknowledges that data centers are an inevitable part of the state's future.
Dale Steenbergen, CEO of the Wyoming State Chamber of Commerce, discusses the "disquietude" surrounding the influx of data centers, especially hyperscale AI facilities, and their implications for Wyoming. He acknowledges community concerns over rising power bills, water availability, safety, and the potential loss of Wyoming's natural character, criticizing government agencies for a lack of public information.
Steenbergen advocates for foundational principles to guide the state's approach: prioritizing free enterprise and capitalism, recognizing that companies operate within community-defined rules, and demanding transparency from government during times of change. He emphasizes the symbiotic relationship between business and community, asserting that neither should thrive at the other's expense. Steenbergen concludes that data centers are an unavoidable aspect of Wyoming's future, urging for proactive adjustments to regulations to ensure they are responsible corporate citizens.