Gov. Gordon signs executive order addressing data centers in Wyoming
Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon signed an executive order establishing a new regulatory framework for data center development, aiming to balance economic growth with environmental protection and community concerns. This order follows debates in Cheyenne and Laramie County regarding the rapid expansion of data centers and concerns over electricity and water consumption. The framework prioritizes key pillars such as water sustainability, grid protection, and transparency.
Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon signed an executive order, "Data Centers the Wyoming Way," on Wednesday to establish a new regulatory framework for data center development across the state. The executive order comes as Wyoming experiences a surge in data center construction, particularly in Cheyenne and Laramie County, leading to national attention and local resistance over potential environmental and financial impacts.
The Wyoming Data Center Development Framework outlines guiding principles focused on water sustainability, wildlife stewardship, transparency, energy leadership, grid protection, revenue-driven growth, workforce development, and community investment. Governor Gordon stated the order aims to position Wyoming as a leader in advanced computing infrastructure while protecting natural resources and citizens from unintended costs.
This action follows months of community debate, including a rejected petition for a 12- to 18-month moratorium on new data centers in Cheyenne to allow for cumulative impact studies. Heather Madrid, a Cheyenne resident and organizer of the petition, views the order as a call to action for improved transparency and local control, aligning with resident concerns. Conversely, Betsey Hale, CEO of Cheyenne LEADS, the local economic development agency, praised the order as a validation of Wyoming's existing approach to attracting transformative industries while maintaining state values. The executive order mandates state agencies to coordinate efforts, identify ways to improve transparency, and ensure developers bear all incremental costs for power infrastructure.
Ongoing discussions continue at the local level. The Cheyenne Planning Commission recently recommended denial of several zoning changes for Microsoft's 3,200-acre Highlands expansion, with the final decision pending before the Cheyenne City Council. The Governor's order encourages closed-loop cooling systems for water sustainability and emphasizes the use of the state's natural gas and coal resources for data center power reliability. State agencies have 60 days to provide recommendations for improving policies and potential legislative actions.