By Carrie Haderlie Wyoming Tribune Eagle
Publication Date: 2026-05-29 15:02:00
CHEYENNE – After years of hearing about the tech industry’s economic benefits, from tax revenue to job creation, Wyomingites are now asking if large-scale data centers are worth the potential energy, water and environmental impacts, especially during a historic drought.
Microsoft, which has operated data centers in Cheyenne since 2012, has submitted applications with the city of Cheyenne for two additional expansion areas. The first is on a 385-acre site east of College Drive near Cheyenne Business Parkway, and an approximately 35-acre site South of Happy Jack Road near North Range Business Park.
In addition, the company previously announced plans to buy and develop 3,200 acres of land in Laramie County south of Cheyenne, effectively tripling its current footprint.
Jonathan Noble, Microsoft’s senior director for infrastructure government…