Data center faces backlash in Fremont County
A data center project in Lost Cabin, Fremont County, Wyoming, is drawing concerns from residents regarding water, noise, and development impacts. This has prompted Fremont County commissioners to explore data-center-specific zoning and regulations, while the Wyoming DEQ is reviewing a permit for emergency generators for the project.
Fremont County, Wyoming, is grappling with how to regulate data center development following public concerns about a small data center project in Lost Cabin. Residents raised issues regarding water usage, noise, and general development impacts, prompting the Fremont County commissioners to discuss potential data-center-specific zoning or other regulations. Commission Chairman Larry Allen acknowledged the need for a comprehensive approach, noting that while zoning has historically been unpopular, it might be necessary to protect residents and the environment.
The data center, identified as the "1 MW DC Site," is being developed by ETC DC OpCo LLC, which applied for a permit from the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality's Air Quality Division to install eight natural-gas-fired emergency generators. While the application states High Plains Power will supply normal electricity, Allen mentioned information suggesting produced gas from a nearby field would power the data center, a point of clarification that was not fully explained in the article. The DEQ's proposed permit for these generators is currently open for public comment until September 14.
The discussion also highlighted the county's limited authority over such developments without specific zoning. State Senator Cale Case and Representative Pepper Ottman offered different legislative and local solutions, with Ottman suggesting development agreements as an alternative to broad zoning. Governor Mark Gordon's recent executive order encourages data center development while emphasizing conservation, but it does not alter local land-use authority. Commissioners concluded they would continue to investigate regulatory options, acknowledging the ongoing nature of the discussion beyond this specific project.