Natrona County and Prometheus Hyperscale consider bypassing state review for new AI complex
Natrona County officials are developing local conditions and permitting requirements for Prometheus Hyperscale’s proposed 1,250-megawatt AI data center complex east of Casper. The county is considering using an industrial park exemption to handle the review locally rather than going through Wyoming’s Industrial Siting Council, while officials and environmental groups are weighing water, electricity, pollution and regulatory concerns.
Natrona County officials are beginning negotiations with Prometheus Hyperscale over a proposed 1,250-megawatt artificial intelligence computing complex east of Casper. The company has proposed an initial investment of about $500 million, closed-loop cooling to reduce water use and a separate natural-gas-powered electricity system with carbon injection wells.
County commissioners Jim Milne and Dave North said the county may use Wyoming’s industrial park exemption to tailor project conditions locally instead of pursuing the state Industrial Siting Council’s review. They said the approach would still require compliance with applicable environmental and regulatory requirements, while allowing the county to address concerns about water consumption, electricity demand, noise, light pollution and community benefits.
Environmental advocates, including the Wyoming Outdoor Council, warned that a county-led process may not provide the same comprehensive review conducted by the 19 state and federal agencies involved in the Industrial Siting Council process. No formal application has been submitted to Natrona County, and both county officials and Prometheus said future public meetings will provide opportunities for residents to ask questions and comment.