The boom in data center construction nationwide reminds us of the proper role of  government. Without thoughtful planning and zoning, without regard for resource management, environmental protection, and the health and well-being of residents, data centers are earning a reputation as terrible neighbors.

Data centers must not be built close to homes. The permitting process must be as transparent as possible, allowing time for public notification, impact studies, and public comment. Particularly when living through a drought, people rightly want to know how a large facility will affect the local water supply. Living with inflation, people want to know how adding a large consumer of natural gas or electricity will affect their utility rates. What about pollution? What about noise, particularly low frequency noise, how far does it travel? What carefully written regulations would protect residents, while also helping developers with their planning and design by clearly communicating  non-negotiable limits?

A well planned, properly sited data center can bring economic activity, construction jobs, and long-term maintenance jobs. Developers of large projects  who understand the importance of establishing safe working conditions, fair and consistent wages for well-defined crafts, and procedures for addressing disputes and grievances at the outset are able to minimize disruptions and misunderstandings, keeping the project on schedule and minimizing cost overruns. Building man camps brings many questions and concerns from nearby residents. Hiring qualified local contractors and craftspeople, even if the size of the project requires some travelers to help man the job, goes a long way in maintaining goodwill in the community,  ensuring that local residents share in the economic benefits.

Government must work for the people. If a project is likely to damage the community, a representative government says no. Well written regulations can actually speed up economic development by communicating information about the feasibility of a project before money and time is spent on planning for an unsuitable location.  

First, the easiest question. From the Promethius Hyperscale project proposed for Natrona County, the economic benefit from sales tax in the near-term, property tax annually, and increased jobs and economic activity would be impactful. The project would objectively be good for economic growth in the county, and more jobs would be welcome. The specific numbers are hard to nail down. I assume projections provided by the company to be optimistic. 

Why did the projected number of jobs triple between October 2025 and September 2026? This article dated October 2025 states, "This development is expected to generate hundreds of construction jobs during the building phase and create dozens of long-term technical positions upon completion." https://www.carboncapturejournal.com/news/group-to-build-carbon-negative-digital-infrastructure-campus-in-wyoming/6980.aspx, but at the September 2026 BOCC meeting, Promethius projected 3,000 construction jobs and 150 permanent jobs.

According to BOCC comments on September 1, 2026, the first step Promethius Hyperscale must take in order to permit their data center, power generation, and workforce center campus is to apply for a zoning change through the Natrona County Planning and Zoning Commission, to designate the building site as Industrial.

 The building site is described as a 940 acre portion of Falls Ranch, south of I-25 and west of Muddy Creek. Falls Ranch is named after a waterfall on the property. I have heard the waterfall is beautiful, but the person who described it admitted to trespassing in order to see it.

If the zoning change is approved, the next steps would require special use permits to be approved by the Natrona County Board of Commissioners. The permitting process is public, and public comment is welcome. The BOCC will need to determine whether the county will permit an Industrial Park designation, rather than requiring Promethius to go through the state Industrial Siting Council. Promethius Hyperscale has stated that were they required to go through the state ISC, their anonymous tenant would pull out and pursue alternate locations in Texas.

There are lots of concerns and questions to work through. We have the benefit of learning from others who have had terrible experiences with data centers in their communities. Building too close to homes has caused people to be exposed to unacceptable levels of noise, particularly low frequency noise that is not picked up by standard equipment used for noise studies. We have the benefit of low density communities here. There is no excuse for industrial sites to impinge on residential areas. How does low frequency noice affect wildlife?

A quick rundown of a few of the concerns:

• Water:  Promethius says their closed loop cooling system minimizes water usage. WYDEQ will assess the water situation.

• Electricity: Promethius says they will generate their own off-grid electricity, at least for the first phase. There seems to be some uncertainty about the power plan for future phases.

• Natural Gas: Would our gas bills be affected? Unknown at this time.

• Pollution: Inherent to burning gas for electrical generation. WYDEQ will assess.

• Accessibility: I-25 and Hat Six Road, may require improvements.

• Working Conditions: Who is responsible for safe working conditions? Promethius Hyperscale or the land owner? 

Wyoming residents will see a ballot initiative called the People's Initiative to Limit Property Tax in Wyoming in November 2026. The initiative would create a 50% exemption for property used as a primary residence, as long as the claimant has resided there for at least a year, and must live there for at least six months of the tax year. Recently, exemptions for seniors and veterans have already been enacted, as well as a 25% exemption for the first $1 million of home value. 

On the upcoming ballot measure, there is no cap on the value of property to be exempted. Someone who lives in a $15 million mansion would keep money in their pocket that is currently helping to fund education, first responders, and senior services in our communities. Someone who lives in a modest house would save a smaller amount of money, which may be sorely needed, but that person is also more likely to be negatively affected by cuts to basic community services.

Wyoming is known as a low tax state. Wyoming ranks #1 overall on  the Tax Foundation 2026 State Tax Competitiveness Index. We have no state income tax. All homeowners contribute to our communities by paying property tax. Owners of expensive homes paying more than owners of modest homes is a fair system. On the other hand, if lack of revenue causes sales tax to be increased to keep basic services intact, that would disproportionately affect low income people, and that would not be fair.

The idea of reducing property tax when we are facing higher bills is tempting. We are all paying more for everything, but most of our wages are not keeping up.  According to Neilsberg.com, median household income in Wyoming is around $75,000, which actually decreased between 2010 and 2023. In contrast, the top 5% mean household income in Wyoming is over $417,000. What a difference! Many of our neighbors must spend every dime just to meet basic needs, while others have the luxury to save and invest. 

I oppose this ballot initiative. Because there is no cap on the value of property to be exempted, this initiative would cut revenue substantially more than the 25% exemption with a $1 million cap already has. Road maintenance, community health, and raises for city, county, and state employees would be on the chopping block. Wealthy people would significantly reduce their share of contributions to our communities. The (Rich) People’s Initiative is a relic of the recent reign of irresponsibility in Cheyenne, with the same legislators who suggested massive cuts to the University of Wyoming bringing this ballot initiative forth. The (Rich) People’s Initiative was crafted to appeal to people in need, but it rewards wealth paired with greed, at the expense of communities.

Open to growth opportunities while maintaining respect for existing neighbors

Seeks expert advice on long term consequences to water, wildlife, and environment

Is able to provide transparency by speaking about the various interests and factors under scrutiny 

Listens with an open mind

Seeks factual information

Knows the world is not black and white

Thinks for themselves

Chooses problem solving over virtue signaling 

Remembers the people who are too busy working to come to the meeting