Cheyenne City Council Candidate Vows to Oppose New Data Centers
Cheyenne City Council candidate Michael Reyes has vowed to oppose any new data center developments, citing concerns over rising utility costs and unsustainable resource use. His position follows the City Council's recent rejection of a 12-month moratorium on data centers, despite his belief that a ban is necessary.
Michael Reyes, a candidate for the Cheyenne City Council's Ward I seat, has declared his intention to vote against any new data center developments in the city if elected. Reyes expressed his concerns in an interview for the "Weekend in Wyoming" program, stating that data centers are unsustainable given the city's current resources and would lead to increased utility costs for residents, including water. He believes the city is not in a good position to continue adding such facilities.
Reyes's stance comes after the Cheyenne City Council recently defeated a proposal for a 12-month moratorium on new data centers, which was sponsored by Councilman Mark Moody. The moratorium, intended to allow time to study the impacts of these facilities, was voted down 8-1.
Conversely, Cheyenne LEADS, an economic development organization, has released information disputing claims that data centers negatively impact the community. They argue that modern data centers are efficient, often use minimal water, and invest in technologies to reduce consumption. Cheyenne LEADS also asserts that data centers diversify the economy, expand the tax base, create jobs, and improve grid reliability, while noting that Wyoming produces ample energy to support such developments without increasing residential power bills.