Executive order paves way for Wyoming data centers while Colorado communities hit pause

Communities across the Mountain West are adopting contrasting stances on data center development, with some embracing growth and others imposing pauses. The City of Denver has enacted a one-year moratorium on data center construction, with city councilors expressing regret over previous approvals in already-polluted areas. Similar moratoriums have been implemented in other localities, including Kootenai County in Idaho and Logan and Larimer counties in Colorado.

In stark contrast, Cheyenne, Wyoming, recently rejected a proposed moratorium, signalling an intent to proceed with numerous data center projects. Following this, on June 3, Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon issued an executive order. The order establishes a framework to develop data centers in a manner dubbed "the Wyoming Way," encouraging responsible growth. It calls for data centers to cover increased energy demand costs, create permanent jobs, protect water and wildlife, and operate transparently. State agencies have been given 60 days to propose legislative actions and policy recommendations to implement the order's guidelines, which currently does not change existing policies.

Amidst these statewide and regional developments, a specific AI data center project by Prometheus Hypescale in southwest Wyoming, near Evanston, is advancing. Local residents have voiced significant concerns at county meetings, primarily regarding the project's potential water and energy consumption. However, Mountain View Mayor Bryan Ayres suggested some concerns might be misdirected, as Prometheus claims it will provide its own energy and not tap into local water supplies. Ayres advocates for fair developer contributions, urging against excessive tax breaks.

The Uinta County Planning Commission has recommended approval for the Prometheus data center, with a final vote by county commissioners potentially occurring as early as June 16.