Skybox Data Centers Public Information Meeting Summary

This article summarizes information presented by Skybox representatives during their public information meeting held at the Laramie County Library on July 9, 2026. Statements attributed to the company reflect what was presented during the meeting and should not be interpreted as findings, endorsements, or official positions of Laramie County or the Laramie County Board of Commissioners. As with any proposal, all information will be evaluated through the formal public review process if and when an application is submitted.

I attended Skybox Data Centers’ public information meeting at the Laramie County Library to learn more about their proposed project and hear directly from the company.

As I’ve said from the beginning, my responsibility as a Laramie County Commissioner is to gather facts, ask questions, listen to residents, and make decisions based on reliable information—not assumptions, rumors, or social media. Yesterday’s meeting gave me another opportunity to do exactly that.

The company explained that the proposed data center campus would be located on property currently in unincorporated Laramie County, west of the Rolling Hills Subdivision, on the north side of Happy Jack Road, and just north of the City of Cheyenne’s water treatment plant. While the property is currently in the county, it may be annexed into the City of Cheyenne at some point. According to Skybox, one reason they selected this location was its proximity to existing city utilities, including BOPU.

The conceptual site plan presented at the meeting showed four proposed data center buildings located within a much larger tract of land. Company representatives explained that they do not intend to develop the entire property. They stated that the remaining acreage would remain open and that the Cox Ranch would continue grazing cattle on much of the property outside the developed portions of the site.

I asked several questions about topics that many residents have raised with me, including:

• Closed-loop cooling systems and long-term water use.

• Procedures for testing and disposal of water during construction and maintenance.

• Lessons learned from the recent wastewater issue involving another data center project.

• How Skybox intends to ensure contractors properly test and handle any water before disposal.

• The long-term viability of the facilities as technology continues to evolve.

• Light and noise impacts on nearby neighborhoods.

• The economic benefits Laramie County and Cheyenne could expect if the project ultimately moves forward.

Regarding water use, Skybox explained that they intend to purchase water from BOPU but would not discharge cooling system water back into the municipal wastewater system. According to their presentation, any water used during the initial filling, testing, or future maintenance of the cooling system would first be contained in on-site storage tanks. They stated the water would be tested before any further action was taken and, if removed from the cooling system, would be transported off-site for appropriate processing rather than discharged into the municipal wastewater system.

The company also discussed the closed-loop cooling systems they use. They explained that the systems contain additives, including food-grade glycol, to help protect and maintain the equipment. They noted that if the cooling fluid ever needed to be removed, it would be handled using an approved processing method because it had been used in an industrial cooling system.

One point they emphasized was the longevity of their cooling systems. According to Skybox, some of their closed-loop systems have been in operation for approximately 15 years without requiring a complete system flush. They stated that under normal operating conditions, only a few gallons of water per year have been needed to account for minimal system losses. They also explained that if a system ever did need to be drained or serviced, the fluid would first be stored, tested, and then transported off-site for appropriate processing.

The meeting also included thoughtful questions and comments from community members. One resident encouraged the company to be careful about making absolute statements regarding light and noise impacts, suggesting it is better to acknowledge that every development has some impact while explaining how those impacts will be minimized. I thought that was a fair point and part of the constructive discussion throughout the meeting.

I appreciated that Skybox representatives were willing to answer questions publicly and engage with residents throughout the afternoon. I also appreciated hearing the questions and concerns raised by those in attendance. Those conversations are an important part of the public process.

My goal wasn’t to advocate for or against the project—it was to gather information, ask questions that many residents have shared with me, and continue building an understanding of the proposal before any decisions are made.

For me, yesterday’s meeting was one piece of a much larger process.

It is also important to note that yesterday’s event was an informational open house hosted by Skybox and was not a public hearing before the Laramie County Board of Commissioners. There is currently no formal application before the Board for consideration.

There is still a great deal to review, including technical reports, infrastructure planning, traffic, utilities, environmental considerations, emergency services, neighborhood impacts, fiscal impacts, and the formal land use review process. Like every proposal that comes before the Board, this one will be evaluated on its own merits, the applicable regulations, and the facts presented throughout the public process.

Skybox representatives emphasized that they are still in the early stages of the project and intentionally began holding community meetings before submitting a formal application because they want to hear directly from area residents. They encouraged anyone with questions, concerns, or suggestions to participate in the process and said there will be additional opportunities for public involvement as the project moves forward.

If you’re interested in learning more or asking questions directly, they are hosting two additional informational meetings today (Thursday) at the Laramie County Library at 10:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

If you have questions or would like to provide feedback directly to the company, they encourage you to reach out.

Email: wyoming@skyboxdatacenters.com

I encourage everyone—whether you support the project, oppose it, or are still undecided—to attend the meetings, ask questions, review the available information, and participate respectfully in the process. The more we all learn, the better equipped we’ll be to have productive conversations about the proposal.

Good decisions are made through facts, thoughtful discussion, and a willingness to listen.

As always, I’ll continue doing my homework, asking questions, listening to all sides, and keeping the community informed as more information becomes available.