Cheyenne rejects moratorium on data centers
The Cheyenne City Council voted down a one-year moratorium on new data center development after extensive public comment. Residents expressed concerns about water use, property values, and the strain on city services, while union workers warned a moratorium could deter investment and jobs. The city is considering proposals from companies like Meta and Microsoft for dozens of new data centers, raising questions about potential impacts.
The Cheyenne City Council rejected a proposed one-year moratorium on new data center development on Tuesday, following a five-hour public comment period with over 50 residents weighing in. The vote against the moratorium was 8-1.
Residents, including Michelle Cobb, voiced fears about data centers in populated areas, questioning water usage and potential impacts on property values, and advocating for large buffer zones given ongoing rezoning efforts. Conversely, about a dozen union workers, such as Matthew Miles of United Association Local 192, argued that a moratorium would deter data center investment, forcing local trade workers to seek jobs out of state. Miles specifically mentioned that companies like Meta have brought many workers home, preventing them from being away from their families.
Cheyenne, already home to over a dozen computing centers, is reportedly considering proposals from industry giants like Meta and Microsoft for an estimated 40 to 70 new data centers. These projects could significantly increase the state's electricity consumption. Despite concerns from some residents regarding the industry's water use, Mayor Patrick Collins and several council members cited over 10 years of data indicating current data centers are not straining water supplies. Councilman Larry Wolfe, despite voting against the moratorium, called for the city to demand greater investment from data center developers to help Cheyenne manage the growing demands on local services and infrastructure like schools and healthcare.