Uinta County approves permit for incoming data center’s power grid
Uinta County commissioners approved a conditional use permit and rezoning for Prometheus Hyperscale's data center, including its independent, off-grid power production facility. The project, which will draw a small amount of water from a deep aquifer for emission control, faced some local opposition regarding regulatory frameworks, rural preservation, and potential impacts on local resources. Despite concerns, the county approved the permits with 13 specific conditions to ensure compliance and mitigate potential issues.
The Uinta County Commissioners have approved a conditional use permit (CUP) and rezoning request from data center developer Prometheus Hyperscale for its independent power production facility in Evanston, Wyoming. The decision, made during a Sept. 15 meeting, rezones a 644-acre parcel from agricultural resource development to business industrial.
Prometheus Hyperscale founder Trenton Thornock explained the project's off-grid power strategy, which will be phased over four to five years to match the data center's needs, and stated it would not affect local electric bills. Thornock also addressed environmental concerns, noting the use of a deep aquifer for a small amount of water for emission control systems and advanced scrubbing technology to meet Wyoming Department of Environmental Air Quality standards. The project is expected to create up to 250 construction jobs and 25 permanent positions, projecting a 26% increase in county tax revenue.
Despite the approvals, residents like Alex Rossi and Joe Hickey voiced opposition, citing a lack of regulatory framework for such a large project, desires to preserve the county's rural character, and concerns about potential impacts on the Colorado River. Rep. Joe Webb (R-Lyman) recommended the county consider requiring a bond from the developer to protect citizens in case of default. Uinta County Attorney Loretta Howieson Kallas clarified that the project must comply with federal and state laws and detailed 13 conditions for the CUP, including annual inspections, dust abatement, road maintenance, DarkSky International Standards compliance, priority hiring of Wyoming contractors, and reimbursement for emergency services.