Data Centers In Wyoming: Should We Look At Their Tax Exemptions?
Dale Steenbergen of the Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce advocates for a discussion on data center expectations and tax exemptions in Wyoming. While not supporting a moratorium, he believes current sales tax exemptions on equipment purchases should be reviewed to ensure data centers contribute appropriately, despite acknowledging some have exceeded expectations.
Dale Steenbergen, President and CEO of the Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce, appeared on the "Weekend In Wyoming" program to discuss the role of data centers in the state. Steenbergen, while not advocating for a moratorium on new data centers, emphasized the need for a dialogue regarding community expectations and the current tax exemptions for these facilities.
Wyoming currently offers sales tax exemptions on qualifying equipment purchases for data centers that meet specific criteria, including annual computing equipment purchases of $2 million, $5 million in capital infrastructure costs, and the creation of a "significant number of jobs." Steenbergen suggested a review of these tax policies, stating, "all businesses pay taxes, and how do we do that and set that up appropriately?"
He urged "public officials to make sure we get this figured out" to ensure data centers "pay their way" in the long term. However, Steenbergen also acknowledged that some data centers have gone beyond expectations, citing a recent $3.5 million donation from Related for affordable housing in Cheyenne as an example.