Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon signed an executive order on June 3 that opens the state to data center investment while requiring developers to cover the power costs their projects create.
The order, named Data Centers the Wyoming Way, builds a framework around water, wildlife, grid costs, and workforce training.
Wyoming Courts Tech Investment Without Soaking Residents
The governor tied the order to a June 2 Trump directive on advanced artificial intelligence (AI). The framework rests on eight principles.
Grid stewardship sits at the center. The order shields households and small businesses from the cost of new power demand. Developers driving that demand must absorb the expense. The order also directs agencies to report back within 60 days.
“Wyoming is an energy-producing state with abundant natural resources, a business-friendly environment, reliable infrastructure, and a proven commitment to innovation, which provides Wyoming a leading role in America’s digital future,” the order reads.
Wyoming has already positioned itself as a friendly home for digital finance. The state issues its own stablecoin, the Frontier Stable Token.
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Data Centers Face Backlash
The timing is notable. Communities across the country have turned against large data centers. Activists cite noise, rising electricity prices, and heavy water use. A March Gallup poll showed that 70% of Americans do not want new AI data centers built in their local area.
“Half of opponents mention data centers’ excessive use of resources, including 18% each mentioning their use of water and energy. Sixteen percent mention a related environmental concern of pollution, including noise pollution and air and water pollution,” the survey found.
The pressure has reached Washington. Senators Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez introduced an AI data center moratorium bill in March.
However, tech firms reject the water criticism. Google said American data centers use less than 1% of the water households use on lawns each year. Microsoft’s CEO compared one center’s annual use to that of a single restaurant.
Whether the ratepayer protections reassure residents could shape how other states court data center money. Agency recommendations are due in early August.
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