Governor Mark Gordon Signs Data Center Development Framework

Mark Gordon, the Governor of Wyoming, signed Executive Order 2026-03, "Data Centers the Wyoming Way," on June 3, 2026. The order establishes the Wyoming Data Center Development Framework, which utilizes eight pillars—including water sustainability, grid resiliency, wildlife conservation, and workforce development—to regulate the rapid expansion of data facilities across the state.

A primary requirement of the framework is that developers must bear the full cost of their own power infrastructure to prevent residential electricity rate hikes. This policy follows significant community tension in Cheyenne and Laramie County, where residents petitioned for a moratorium on new projects due to the scale of developments such as Project Jade and a 3,200-acre expansion by Microsoft. Although the Cheyenne City Council voted 9-1 to reject the moratorium, the executive order mandates that state agencies coordinate on transparency and regulatory efficiency.

State agencies now have 60 days to provide the governor with formal policy recommendations and potential legislative actions. The framework aims to keep Wyoming competitive for advanced computing and artificial intelligence investments while safeguarding local communities from unintended costs. Supporters of the move, including local economic development leaders, view the order as a validation of Wyoming's openness to transformative industries.