Cheyenne's Heather Madrid Proposes Moratorium On New Data Centers For Community Study

Cheyenne resident Heather Madrid is spearheading a petition for a 12-18 month moratorium on new data center construction in the city. Madrid emphasizes that her objective is not to halt all data center operations, but to implement a temporary pause on new facilities, allowing for a comprehensive study of their potential impacts and the revision of existing regulations to accommodate the rapid expansion of the industry in Cheyenne. City Councilman Larry Wolfe noted that the total number of new and proposed data centers could reach around 70. Separately from Madrid's petition, Cheyenne City Councilman Mark Moody has introduced a distinct proposal for a 12-month moratorium on data centers. This ordinance is scheduled for review by the council's Public Service's Committee next Monday, May 18. The proposal would require three readings before the full city council for a final vote. Madrid's petition is being made available for signatures at several upcoming public meetings, including a Planning Commission meeting, a Ward 3 Council and Coffee event, and various city council and Laramie County Commissioners meetings, highlighting the community's engagement in the issue.