Wyoming
Wyoming’s data center boom prompts lawmakers to address electricity consumption and resource management.
A Republican lawmaker from Laramie County says a legislative committee he co-chairs will be taking a close look at data centers in Wyoming, focusing on electricity consumption.
Committee Co-Chaired By Sen. Chris Rothfuss
Rep. Daniel Singh is the House Chair of the Select Committee on Blockchain, Financial Technology And Digital Innovation Technology. The Senate Chair is Senator Chris Rothfuss [D-Albany County].
On his legislative Facebook page, Singh wrote recently “We will be taking a serious look at data centers and electricity usage. As more large scale computing operations come into Wyoming, we have to make sure these major electricity users do not affect the availability or cost of power for everyday Wyoming families, workers, and businesses. We will also be exploring the cooling technologies used by data centers. Management Council made clear that conversations specifically about water usage should be handled by the Select Water Committee. In response, our committee will focus on the broader category of cooling systems and the technologies that can reduce reliance on water.”
According to Baxtel.com there are currently 21 data centers in Cheyenne.
In a Saturday interview on the “Weekend In Wyoming” program on am 650 KGAB, Singh went into more detail on the topic. In regard to water usage. Singh said there are options that centers can use to avoid using water, including using air cooling or other liquids as coolants. ”I hope that these tech companies are getting the picture that if these people want to do business in states like Wyoming, that they need to respect the wishes of the people that live here. So they can’t be using insane amounts of water.”
Singh says the state could impose rules on water usage for the centers if need be.
In regard to electricity, Singh says he will be pushing for requirements that the centers use “behind the meter power.” That basically means requiring data center companies to generate their own electricity ”preferably using traditional fuels, minerals from Wyoming.”
While some see data centers as a growing industry that can contribute to the economy, many people in the Cheyenne area in particular are concerned about the centers using too much water and/or electricity and causing water and electric bills to skyrocket for everyone else.
One vocal critic in Cheyenne is Rick Coppinger, a former candidate for mayor who remains active in local politics. Coppinger told Townsquare Media on Monday afternoon:
”I understand that they say that a lot of these data centers are using sealed systems for cooling or as well as using glycol systems for cooling or other agents. I think you’ll find that even though they’re using sealed water systems you’ll find that they are still going through an about 1,000,000 gallons a year per gigabyte hour. Also, when the federal government and the state government have to intervene to tell us that the people will not have to pay higher electric bills because of these #DATA centers forces me to be very concerned.”
Hear Rep. Daniel Singh ”Weekend In Wyoming” Interview Here.
LOOK: 21 Candies From the ’80s That You Probably Haven’t Thought About in Years
How many of these over-the-top ’80s candies — sweet, sour, and sometimes downright ridiculous — do you remember from your childhood?
Gallery Credit: Stephen Lenz