Key facts
- Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon signed Executive Order 2026-03, 'Data Centers the Wyoming Way'.
- The order directs state agencies to use consistent standards for advanced computing and data center development.
- It aims to attract AI infrastructure spending by leveraging the state's energy base and land.
- The framework addresses concerns over electricity demand, water use, environmental review, and residential power costs.
- The move comes as AI data centers increase demand on U.S. power grids.
Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon has signed Executive Order 2026-03, titled 'Data Centers the Wyoming Way,' establishing a framework to guide the development of data centers and advanced computing facilities. This initiative aims to attract investment in AI infrastructure and advanced computing by setting consistent standards for state agencies involved in permitting, reviewing, regulating, supporting, or facilitating such projects. The framework emphasizes responsible development, considering crucial aspects like water and environmental sustainability, workforce development, and protections for residential electricity customers. The order arrives amid a surge in AI infrastructure spending across the U.S., which has raised concerns about electricity demand and pressure on local resources. Wyoming seeks to leverage its energy resources and land for these projects, while also considering residential power costs and environmental impacts. The state's existing ties to digital infrastructure through Bitcoin mining, such as CleanSpark's expansion with significant power contracts, provide a background for this move, as some mining firms explore AI services and high-performance computing to diversify revenue streams.