05/23/2026
There has been a lot of rumor and speculation regarding the proposed 1.2-Gigawatt Prometheus Hyperscale Data Center slated for the area between Mountain View and Evanston. Many people are feeling discouraged, hearing that "the public has no voice" or that it’s a "done deal."
As someone with a background in Planning and Zoning, and as a local business owner, I want to cut through the noise and look at the actual structural reality of what is happening. This is not a done deal.
Under Wyoming law and Uinta County land-use regulations, the developers carry the burden of proof. According to the County Attorney's office, Prometheus must prove that this massive industrial footprint will not harm the health, safety, and welfare of our citizens. If they cannot prove that, the county has the full legal authority to deny their permits.
From a strict business, agricultural, and community risk-assessment perspective, these are the hard metrics our community needs answered:
Water Risk: The developers claim a "closed-loop" liquid cooling system protects our aquifers. We need to know: What happens during a catastrophic failure or system overheat? What is the exact backup volume of local water required, and will senior agricultural water rights be legally compromised?
Wildlife and Hunting Threat: Dropping a massive industrial footprint, miles of high-security fencing, and a 24/7 power plant right between Evanston and the valley will severely disrupt our local wildlife. It creates an industrial barrier across crucial winter ranges and migration routes for deer, elk, and moose. Constant turbine noise and bright security lighting will push these herds away from historical areas, permanently altering wildlife patterns and hurting our local hunting heritage.
Power Grid and Noise Risk: A 1.2-gigawatt draw is staggering. They plan to build an on-site natural gas power plant to fuel it. We need enforceable, legally binding protections against 24/7 industrial turbine noise and the light pollution that threatens our valley’s night skies.
Economic Reality: Data centers create temporary out-of-state construction booms but very few permanent local jobs. Uinta County should not be offering a dime of taxpayer-funded incentives to a multi-billion-dollar tech corporation. They must be held 100% financially liable for any strain on our local infrastructure and roads.
Upcoming Public Proceedings:
If you want your concerns to be part of the official legal record, the community needs to show up or submit statements this week:
Public Forum (Developer Hosted): Tuesday, May 26, from 4:00 PM to 6:45 PM at the Roundhouse in Evanston (Portland Rose room).
Official Planning & Zoning Public Hearing: Wednesday, May 27, at 7:00 PM at the Uinta County Complex in Evanston.
Many of us have work, business, or ranching obligations that make traveling to Evanston for these evening meetings impossible. If you cannot attend in person, you can still make an impact.
Contact the Uinta County Planning and Development office or email the County Commissioners directly to submit your written opposition so it is legally filed before they vote.
307-782-7432 (Use Extension 318)
Main Office Phone: 307-783-0318
Email Your Comments: Go to the county website at uintacountywy.gov, select the "Planning & Development" department page, and use the secure staff portal directory links to send your written opposition directly to Gary Welling (Department Head) or Kent Williams (County Planner).
Let’s keep our heads clear, look at the data, and protect the water, wildlife, and agricultural backbone of the Bridger Valley
