Microsoft data center expands in Wyoming

Microsoft is expanding its data center presence near Cheyenne, Wyoming, by acquiring an additional 420 acres, bringing its total announced expansion to 3,620 acres. This move follows an April announcement that tripled Microsoft's data center footprint in the area. The expansion is fueling a growing debate within Wyoming over data center growth and associated water consumption.

In a separate development, Uinta County Planners voted unanimously to recommend permit and conditional use approvals for a massive 1.25 gigawatt data center near Evanston. This recommendation came despite weeks of public questions and skepticism raised at forums and on social media, with one attendee stating that officials need to conduct further research on data centers. The standing-room-only crowd largely listened quietly as the unanimous recommendation was made.