Cheyenne Councilman Proposes Data Center Moratorium Amid Public Concern

Name: Cheyenne Councilman Proposes Data Center Moratorium Amid Public Concern
Uploaded: 2026-05-12T04:32:57.000Z
Duration: 8 min 37 s
Description: A Cheyenne councilman has proposed a 12-month moratorium on new data center construction, prompted by a surge of proposed projects and concerns over power and water use. This initiative follows a grassroots petition, though the Mayor has expressed opposition to an outright ban. Microsoft's proposed expansion in Cheyenne would be affected.

News Clip8:37Cowboy State Daily·Cheyenne, Laramie County, WY·5/12/2026

A Cheyenne councilman has proposed a 12-month moratorium on new data center construction, prompted by a surge of proposed projects and concerns over power and water use. This initiative follows a grassroots petition, though the Mayor has expressed opposition to an outright ban. Microsoft's proposed expansion in Cheyenne would be affected.

moratoriumoppositionelectricitywatergovernment

Microsoft

Gov: Cheyenne City Council, City of Cheyenne Mayor's Office

In Cheyenne, Wyoming, a significant influx of approximately 70 proposed data centers has led Councilman Mark Moody to introduce a resolution for a 12-month moratorium on new data center construction. The proposed moratorium would not impact projects already underway, but would affect two major developments: Microsoft's plan to triple its current facility size and a project on the Cox Ranch, whose operator remains unknown and which is currently on hold until September. 

This move by Councilman Moody comes amidst growing public concern, highlighted by a grassroots petition that seeks 7,000 signatures to halt further data center development. Residents are questioning the sustainability of such rapid growth, particularly regarding the demand these facilities place on local power and water resources. However, Mayor Patrick Collins has publicly stated his disagreement with an outright ban or moratorium, suggesting a preference for alternative solutions.