Listing Wyoming Data Center Objections & Solutions
Wyoming is a target for hyperscale data centers, prompting concerns among residents regarding water, electricity, noise, and land use. Governor Mark Gordon addressed these objections, suggesting solutions like closed-loop water systems and reclamation rules for abandoned sites, while highlighting potential tax revenue for counties.
Wyoming is experiencing consideration for several large-scale data center construction projects, drawing common objections from residents regarding their impact. Key concerns include massive water consumption for cooling, potential increases in utility bills due to power grid upgrades, the need for land reclamation should data centers fail, grid instability from large energy swings, and persistent noise pollution from operations. Other issues raised encompass electronic waste and emissions, conversion of agricultural land, the perception of low permanent job creation, and a lack of transparency in negotiations.
Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon recently discussed these data center issues with K2 Radio host Glenn Woods. The Governor acknowledged the international and national data center boom and related concerns about energy and water. He indicated that Wyoming has ample energy resources. Regarding water, Governor Gordon cited a visit to an expanding Microsoft data center near Cheyenne, where he observed a closed-loop cooling system, significantly reducing water loss compared to traditional methods.
Gordon also addressed the issue of abandoned data centers, suggesting that reclamation rules, similar to those for coal, gas, and oil industries, could be applied, requiring companies to set aside funds for cleanup. He emphasized that Wyoming could establish its own regulations to address specific state concerns. While recognizing that data centers create few permanent jobs post-construction, he highlighted their potential to generate substantial tax revenue for low-population counties.