Natrona County residents split on a potential multi-million-dollar A.I. data center

Natrona County residents are currently split on a proposed $500 million, 940-acre artificial intelligence (AI) data center project by Prometheus Hyperscale. During a recent Natrona County commissioners' meeting, officials from Prometheus Hyperscale, through Eric Schlidt who directs their Build Wyoming initiative, requested support to bypass the state industrial siting review process. They intend to apply for a planned unit development to zone the Falls Ranch property between Casper and Glenrock.

Public sentiment was nearly evenly divided between support and opposition for the project. Residents like Sherry Johnson voiced concerns about the environmental impact and the loss of Wyoming's natural landscape, arguing that the projected 150 jobs are not worth the cost. Conversely, Fred Fichtner, chief operations officer for Mesa Power Solutions, highlighted the potential for significant job opportunities, not just at the center, but also for local contractors, suppliers, and service businesses throughout the region.

Commissioners advised focusing on facts rather than panic, while Prometheus officials emphasized the long-term benefits for future generations and preventing a decline in the county's young population. A formal vote by the Natrona County commissioners on the Prometheus project is not expected for several months.