Natrona County takes no action on industrial park plan for Prometheus data center project

Natrona County commissioners decided against pursuing an industrial park zoning designation that would have allowed the proposed Prometheus Hyperscale data center project to bypass state regulatory oversight. County Development Director Sabrina Kemper and County Attorney Ashley Smith had sought guidance on establishing such a park through a Planned Unit Development (PUD) process, which could provide local review while circumventing the Wyoming Industrial Siting Council's jurisdiction.

Commissioners expressed reluctance to take on the extensive regulatory burden, with Commissioner Casey Coates preferring the state's industrial siting process for its more robust scrutiny of projects like data centers. Commissioner Peter Nicolaysen also voiced concerns about the county's competency to oversee such developments without state involvement.

While the main data center facility might be located in neighboring Converse County, Prometheus Hyperscale plans to site its power plant and worker housing (a "man camp") in Natrona County. Commissioner Dave North emphasized the need for specific details on zoning changes, citing potential issues seen in other areas like Cheyenne, where a proposed data center moratorium recently failed.

Public comment overwhelmingly supported the commissioners' decision, with several residents near the proposed site voicing opposition. Kris Hool, Sarah Collins, Brad Isner, and Betty Mosley raised concerns about the project's scale, environmental impact, water depletion, noise pollution, and lack of transparency, arguing for state-level scrutiny. Commissioner Dallas Laird noted significant public opposition and admitted seeking clarification on data centers' function. The commissioners reaffirmed their commitment to protecting residents, with Coates stating the state process is more appropriate given the county's limited resources.