Data centers are buildings that house computer servers, data storage drives and networking equipment. They safely store, process and distribute the digital information required for websites, banking apps, email and artificial intelligence.
Data centers, as we understand them today, originated in the 1990s when smaller commercial centers connected personal computers to the internet. Since then, larger and more efficient data centers have emerged to meet the increasing demand for data processing due to technological advances and the internet.
Everyday Services
Streaming and Media, Communication, Web and Mobile Apps
Business
Storage, Financial Transactions, Enterprise IT
National Security
Mission-Critical Systems Operating, Threat Monitoring, Emergency Response
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Model Training, AI Processing
There are an estimated 12,000 active data centers worldwide, with roughly 4,400 to 5,400 facilities (about 45% of the global total) found in the U.S.
Data centers require affordable, reliable, dispatchable energy available around the clock. Wyoming’s diverse energy portfolio, including coal, natural gas, renewables, nuclear and emerging technologies, gives the state a significant competitive advantage.
This is an opportunity to strengthen Wyoming’s existing industries while building new pathways for construction, engineering, operations, cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing, skilled trades, energy production and technology jobs. Data center investment can support local governments, schools, public services, landowners and small businesses when projects are developed responsibly and transparently.
Protect private property rights.
Respect local communities and local decision-making.
Safeguard water quality and quantity.
Support wildlife and natural resource stewardship.
Strengthen grid reliability and energy security.
Create jobs and opportunities for Wyomingites.
Generate tax revenue for schools, counties and public services.
Ensure transparency, accountability and public engagement.

Governor Mark Gordon’s Executive Order 2026-03, “Data Centers the Wyoming Way,” establishes a framework to guide responsible data center development in Wyoming. The framework emphasizes water sustainability, wildlife conservation, workforce development, transparency, grid resiliency, stewardship, community engagement and national security.
Wyoming Driven Innovation supports a development approach that welcomes investment while protecting Wyoming communities from unintended costs.
New projects should bear the costs associated with their power demands, engage local communities early and provide long-term benefits to Wyoming workers, schools, counties and municipalities.

America cannot lead in artificial intelligence, advanced computing, cybersecurity or digital infrastructure without the energy and facilities needed to support them. Federal leaders have identified advanced technology and secure digital infrastructure as national security priorities.
Wyoming has the resources, experience and values to help meet that moment responsibly.

Recent reporting has highlighted efforts by foreign adversaries, including China and Russia, to influence public opinion about data centers and the infrastructure needed to power America's AI future.
Decisions about data centers and AI infrastructure in Wyoming should be based on facts, transparent public processes and America's long-term economic and national security interests, not on foreign influence campaigns designed to create division.
Wyoming's future should be decided by Wyoming communities, not by foreign governments seeking to undermine America's technological leadership.
Sources:
Axios: OpenAI says China-linked operatives used ChatGPT to influence U.S. data center debate
Politico: OpenAI says China launched influence campaign to shape U.S. attitudes on AI data centers https://www.politico.com/news/2026/06/11/openai-china-data-centers (also summarized here: Benton Institute summary)
E&E News OpenAI says China launched influence campaign to shape U.S. attitudes on AI data centers
The New York Times: China, Russia and Others Seek to Inflame Debate Over A.I. Data Centers
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