AGP Executive Report

Data Center Debate in Cheyenne: Cheyenne’s Public Services Committee heard more than two hours of public comment on a proposed 12-month pause on new data center construction, with residents raising concerns about noise, air and water impacts, and transparency while utilities and major tech players pushed back on misinformation and ratepayer-protection worries. Power Buildout: Tallgrass and Mitsubishi Power Americas announced the first two gas turbines for the Cheyenne Power Hub, a $7B+ investment tied to supporting a large-scale data center and 100+ long-term jobs. Uranium Hearing: In the Black Hills, a weeklong permit hearing opened with heavy opposition to proposed uranium drilling near Craven Canyon, with speakers citing water contamination risks and threats to tourism and agriculture. Wyoming Agriculture Under Pressure: A new report says Wyoming farms are losing $6.3M per year to natural disasters. AI at Work, Not Everyone’s Buying It: As employers push AI adoption, many workers are pushing back. Local Business/Community Notes: LAK Reservoir near Newcastle reopened for limited motorized boating, and Gillette’s Foothills Boulevard closure begins for reconstruction.

University of Wyoming Budget Crunch: UW is staring at a roughly $15 million operating shortfall for the 2027 budget cycle, driven by enrollment declines, inflation, and weaker investment income—forcing leaders to rethink how much flexibility they’ll have for day-to-day costs. Healthcare Access: A Joint Labor, Health and Social Services Committee hearing laid out Wyoming’s “maternity care deserts” problem as hospitals shut labor-and-delivery wards, with lawmakers weighing longer-term fixes beyond short-term patches. Energy & Industry Growth: A new NSF push is sending fresh money to Regional Innovation Engines, aiming to expand emerging tech clusters nationwide—while Wyoming’s own energy buildout continues to attract attention, including a Cheyenne power hub update tied to turbine allocation. Local Business Moves: Tecta America is acquiring Laramie’s Big Horn Roofing, signaling continued consolidation in Wyoming’s commercial services market. Public Safety & Community: The Wyoming State Shooting Complex board highlighted momentum after a successful groundbreaking and a $10 million CMP commitment contingent on matching funds. Regulatory Watch: Food Freedom supporters rallied at the Capitol, arguing enforcement against small producers is drifting beyond the intent of the 2015 law.

AI Power Race in Wyoming: Tallgrass and Mitsubishi Power Americas say they’ve lined up the first two Mitsubishi M501JAC gas turbines for Phase 1 of the Cheyenne Power Hub, aiming to deliver about 1,150MW of dedicated, site-ready power for AI and hyperscale data centers—an investment pegged at more than $7B. Heartland Fiber Push: DCN, Range & WIN Technology announced the $700M Heartland Fiber Project, a 2,000-mile, seven-state buildout (including Wyoming) to boost long-haul capacity between Denver and Chicago for next-gen data traffic. Data Center Backlash—Utah’s Warning Shot: A proposed Utah “hyperscale” data center has sparked backlash after scientists warned the waste heat could dramatically shift local temperatures and stress the Great Salt Lake ecosystem. Workplace Safety Spotlight: A U.S. safety expert is raising alarms about countertop workers’ lung risks tied to high-silica quartz, with California poised to vote on whether to ban cutting the material. Community & Education: UW’s SparkTank 2026 handed out more than $186,000 to four Albany County nonprofits, while Carol Tomé and UPS CEO Ramon Tomé pledged $20M to expand UW scholarship programs.

Data Center Backlash: A proposed 40,000-acre Stratos hyperscale data center in Utah’s Box Elder County is drawing fresh fire after scientists warned its waste heat could dramatically shift local temperatures—potentially turning the area’s semi-arid climate more like the Sahara—while critics say the project was approved without public comment or environmental review. Wyoming Business & Growth: In Wyoming, Vistabeam says it has activated what it calls the first U.S. household connected through BEAD funding, and UW’s Tomé family announced a $20 million gift to expand scholarship programs. Housing Pressure: A new national analysis finds 65% of U.S. households can’t afford a newly built home, with Wyoming among the hardest-hit states. Local Notes: Sheridan’s City Council is set to consider putting the GPET continuation on the November ballot, and Memorial Day schedules and property transfers are moving through local calendars.

AI & Nuclear Watch: TerraPower, backed by Bill Gates, says it’s buying Korean sodium-fast reactor safety testing know-how—an upgrade that plugs into its Wyoming Natrium work. Local Community: The Vestal Asphalt Foundation held its second annual Carnival for the Children’s Home of Wyoming, an employee-run giving effort. Wyoming Sports & Talent: WYOHOOPS is launching a first-ever Summer Showcase in Casper to spotlight in-state basketball prospects. Broadband: Vistabeam says it completed what it calls the first U.S. BEAD-funded household connection, and reports additional BEAD awards in Colorado and Wyoming. Politics & Voting: Wyoming Secretary of State Chuck Gray is pushing Fremont County and House District 33 officials to act after a major Supreme Court voting-rights ruling. Business & Growth Pressure: Cheyenne and Laramie County continue wrestling with the fallout from data-center expansion, with residents showing up to debate what comes next.

AI Data Centers & Power: Cheyenne’s AI push is getting a major boost as Tallgrass and Mitsubishi Power Americas announce turbine delivery for the Cheyenne Power Hub—aimed at supplying dedicated on-site power for a large data center while trying to avoid grid strain. Local Governance: Sheridan City Council will consider a resolution to keep its GPET on the November ballot, alongside wastewater plant rehab and city-admin/fire union contracts. Workforce Housing: Laramie County residents packed a planning meeting over the proposed “man camp” workforce housing, with many opposing access and the pace of new development. Environment & Wildlife: Chronic wasting disease was confirmed on the National Elk Refuge, prompting tighter monitoring and biosecurity. Community & Education: Wyoming schools and local groups kept busy—graduation books are available at Robinson Printing, and Laramie County’s “Outstanding Graduates” were named, including Central’s Brett Klein. Public Scrutiny: A USDA report is fueling scrutiny of a Fort Collins animal lab over veterinary care and recordkeeping gaps.

Federal Court Fallout: Three federal judges dismissed felony indictments against nine defendants in Wyoming after finding interim U.S. Attorney Darin Smith’s misconduct could have tainted the grand jury—setting up a possible government appeal and a “clean slate” if prosecutors move again. Local Housing Pressure: In Cheyenne, Laramie County planning talks kept rolling on a proposed “man camp” workforce housing project, with residents raising concerns about crowding and access while supporters argue it helps keep workers close to jobs. Energy & Data Centers: Tallgrass and Mitsubishi Power Americas announced turbine delivery for the Cheyenne Power Hub, aiming to supply on-site power for a major data center—while Wyoming’s broader data-center buildout debate continues. Drought Watch: Wyoming water managers say the state is shaping up for the driest year on record, with emergency measures already in play. Public Safety & Infrastructure: WYDOT crews continue South Belt Loop repairs in Rock Springs, with shoulder work and intermittent lane closures. Wildlife Health: Chronic wasting disease was confirmed on the National Elk Refuge, prompting renewed monitoring and biosecurity steps.

Federal Justice Shock: Wyoming’s interim U.S. attorney Darin Smith faces a major confirmation fight after three federal judges dismissed all nine felony cases tied to allegations of misconduct—stayed until May 20 and dismissed “without prejudice,” meaning prosecutors could refile. State Politics & Policy: Wyoming also moved to cool a Minnesota state-flag dispute by choosing not to fly state symbols, while a separate local fix is being lined up for Liberty Ponds septic financing. Energy & Industry: Summit Carbon Solutions is reshaping its Midwest CO2 pipeline again—rerouting toward Wyoming and dropping Iowa counties and landowners. Local Government Watch: Carbon County commissioners are weighing pay raises for elected offices as budgets tighten. Economy Snapshot: Wyoming collected $118.5M in motor fuels taxes in 2024, and Cheyenne added the most residents among Wyoming’s largest cities.

Wyoming Education & Talent Pipeline: Sheridan College just landed another top rodeo recruit from Canada—Saskatchewan bronc rider Rhyker Vangen committed after campus visits, citing new facilities and strong agriculture-focused academics. Federal & National Policy Watch: The U.S. is racing to secure rare earths to rebuild depleted military stockpiles, while a new wave of kratom lawsuits continues to target manufacturers and sellers. Local Community & Public Safety: Cheyenne is planning its July 9 Neighborhood Night Out and a May 28 block-captain meeting, aiming to build relationships as part of community policing. Business & Growth Signals: Stio is expanding its wholesale sales push with new regional agency partners, betting on specialty retail demand. Energy & Infrastructure: Lower Basin states advanced a plan to stabilize Lake Powell and Lake Mead through major water cuts—an immediate pressure point for Wyoming’s broader water outlook. Tech & Climate Debate: A proposed 9-gigawatt Utah data center is drawing fresh scientific backlash over waste heat and Great Salt Lake impacts.

Cheyenne Watch: The Cheyenne Animal Shelter is permanently closing the Nancy Mockler Dog Park after vandalism and a sudden insurance problem left the nonprofit “uninsurable,” while the city and community are invited to help redesign a new park. Wyoming Politics & Courts: A Wyoming Joint Judiciary Committee is pushing staff to draft anti-frivolous-lawsuit rules and keep working on opening court records. Energy & Infrastructure: Summit Carbon Solutions says it’s streamlining its Iowa carbon pipeline—cutting counties and landowners—while Wyoming remains in the project’s orbit. Business & Finance: FirsTier Bank names Joshua Ellis as CFO, and PEDEVCO reports a big Q1 production and earnings jump. Public Safety: Wyoming Game and Fish is warning residents about bear activity in residential areas and urges fast reporting. Health Policy: Wyoming is dropping a plan to stretch federal rural health dollars long-term, citing federal rules.

Energy & Capital Markets: Peninsula Energy secured a $56M funding package to push its Lance uranium project toward full production in Wyoming, including ramp-up work and mine development. Carbon Infrastructure: Summit Carbon Solutions is reshaping its CO2 pipeline again—cutting about 200 miles, removing eight Iowa counties and 400+ landowners, and shifting the sequestration destination to Wyoming instead of North Dakota. Public Safety & Health: Chronic wasting disease was confirmed on the National Elk Refuge, prompting renewed monitoring and raising questions about herd size and long-running refuge practices. Local Governance: Wyoming’s school funding overhaul is already spooking districts—Albany County School District 1 warned trustees about staffing and budget uncertainty as rules keep changing. Workforce & Enforcement: Laramie County Sheriff’s Office reported a standout week for immigration arrests, tied to a major traffic operation. Community & Sports: WHSAA is weighing cuts to sports and activities as a school-funding recalibration squeezes athletics budgets.

Redistricting Push: Wyoming Secretary of State Chuck Gray is urging Gov. Mark Gordon and lawmakers to revisit House District 33 after the U.S. Supreme Court’s Callais ruling, arguing the Wind River Reservation-area boundaries need review for constitutional compliance. Aviation Oversight: The Wyoming Aeronautics Commission will tour airports and meet May 18-19 in east-central Wyoming, with an in-person session at WYDOT in Douglas and a video option. Local Government Tech: Medicine Bow approved buying an online meeting camera system so its attorney can join remotely, cutting commute and weather headaches. Water Crisis Watch: A coalition of 70+ groups is asking Congress for at least $2 billion for Lake Powell as federal forecasts point to record-low inflows and major impacts on deliveries and hydropower. Energy & Carbon Pipeline: Summit Carbon Solutions says it’s shrinking its Iowa carbon pipeline footprint, removing hundreds of landowners and shifting the system toward Wyoming sequestration.

Wyoming Politics: State Sen. Eric Barlow is pitching a governor’s race built around “limited government,” a stronger economy rooted in Wyoming’s traditional industries, and policies aimed at keeping young people in-state or bringing them back after college. Local Governance: Cheyenne City Council is weighing a temporary pause on new data center construction, saying it wants more public input and clearer rules on electricity use, groundwater impacts, and other local effects. Education Funding Fight: In Sweetwater County, parents, students, and even a state lawmaker pushed back at the school board over proposed cuts to extracurriculars, arguing the state’s school funding recalibration created an activity-funding shortfall that needs fixing. Energy & Trade: Gov. Mark Gordon’s Taiwan-and-Japan trip highlights expanding partnerships tied to carbon capture, advanced nuclear, and critical minerals, with UW signing new Taiwan research agreements. Wildlife & Public Safety: Wyoming’s shed-antler GPS “sting” story is back in the spotlight after a 7-year-old’s find led to a citation for his father, underscoring how agencies manage winter-range pressure.

Data Center Climate Alarm: Scientists warn a proposed “Stratos” hyperscale data center in Utah’s Box Elder County could flip the local semi-arid climate toward Sahara-like conditions, driven by massive power use and heat dumped into a single valley—approved by county commissioners without public comment or environmental review. Wyoming Energy & Policy: Wyoming’s Harriet Hageman is pushing a “Stop Climate Shakedowns” bill aimed at shutting down climate-related lawsuits against energy companies, while the EPA moves to roll back coal ash cleanup rules—raising groundwater worries across the Mountain West. Gov. Gordon Abroad: Gov. Mark Gordon is in Taiwan and Japan to deepen energy and trade partnerships, including nuclear and carbon-capture discussions. Wildlife on the Move: A program helping big-game migration across private land is expanding across the West, now reaching Utah after Wyoming’s rollout. Local Business & Growth: Sanford Health signed to acquire North Memorial Health in Minnesota, and Wyoming’s job picture is mixed—payroll is up even as employment slips slightly statewide. Community Notes: Food Bank of Wyoming is spotlighting volunteers statewide, and Rock Springs’ Main Street/URA earned another Main Street America accreditation.

BLM Rollback Hits Conservation: The Interior Department has canceled a 2024 rule that treated conservation as a “use” of public lands on par with development—prompting conservation groups to warn of weaker protections for water and wildlife, while Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon calls it a return to “true multiple use.” Crypto Push in Washington: The Senate Banking Committee released draft text for the Clarity Act ahead of a markup, as Democrats press for ethics guardrails and stablecoin-related compromises. Local Politics & Schools: Casper’s City Council filing window opens May 14, and Sweetwater County School District No. 2 reports continued enrollment decline. Energy, Data Centers, and Water: Cheyenne’s water concerns for data centers are back in focus, while a Utah proposal is drawing alarm over massive power use and heat impacts. Wyoming Economy Snapshot: LendingTree finds Wyoming has the highest share of employer-firm owners under 35 (8.8%). People & Business Notes: Stevan Pearce is confirmed as BLM director; Payward/Kraken seeks fresh funding at a $20B valuation.

Wyoming Business Spotlight: In Gillette, L&H Industrial won the SBA’s Small Business Person of the Year award, and Gov. Mark Gordon used the moment to push the state’s next growth wave—data centers and nuclear energy—at the Campbell County Chamber luncheon. Community & Workforce: Wyoming National Guard engineers teamed up with Habitat for Humanity in Cheyenne, starting construction on homes for local residents as part of an Innovative Readiness Training mission. Outdoor Economy: A new report highlights how outdoor recreation is a real jobs engine for Wyoming, with climbing, hunting, and other activities driving billions in economic impact. Local Watch: Sweetwater County School District No. 2 is weighing spring sports cuts tied to enrollment declines and a new education funding structure that favors classroom spending. Business Climate: Nationally, mortgage data shows fewer “equity-rich” homes and a slight rise in seriously underwater properties—signs that housing affordability pressures are still working through the market. Public Safety: Wyoming Game and Fish is warning anglers about stressed fish this summer as low flows and heat threaten some southeast waters.