Wyoming Targets AI Data Center Boom With New State Order

TLDR

• Wyoming backs AI data centers while reviewing power and water use.

• Wyoming order sets rules for AI growth and local resource protection.

• AI data center demand pushes Wyoming to tighten project review rules.

• Wyoming links AI data center growth with power and mining capacity.

• New Wyoming order targets AI infrastructure with stricter local checks.

Wyoming has moved to attract AI data center growth through a new executive order that sets rules for large computing projects. Governor Mark Gordon signed Executive Order 2026-03, titled Data Centers the Wyoming Way, to guide state agencies. The order targets growth, but it also addresses power costs, water use, workforce needs and environmental review.

Wyoming Sets Rules for AI Infrastructure Growth

The order applies to agencies that permit, review, regulate, support or facilitate large data center projects. It directs them to use consistent standards when handling advanced computing and data center development. Wyoming wants a clearer process for companies seeking approvals across the state.

The framework comes as AI infrastructure spending expands across the United States. Major technology firms plan to spend heavily on data centers, cloud systems and computing capacity in 2026. However, that growth has raised concerns over electricity demand and pressure on local resources.

Wyoming aims to use its energy base, open land and business policies to attract new projects. At the same time, the order asks agencies to consider residential power costs before approving major developments. It also places water use, environmental needs and workforce planning inside the state review process.

Power Demand Links AI Growth With Bitcoin Mining

The order arrives as AI data centers increase demand on U.S. power grids. These facilities require large amounts of electricity for model training, cloud services, and high-performance computing workloads. As a result, power access has become a main factor in site selection.

Wyoming already has ties to digital infrastructure through Bitcoin mining. CleanSpark expanded into the state in 2024 after securing power contracts tied to 75 megawatts. The company also planned two mining sites with combined capacity for several exahashes of computing power.

This background gives Wyoming a direct link between crypto mining and AI infrastructure. Mining firms already control land, power contracts, cooling systems and data center equipment in several markets. Therefore, some of those assets can support AI hosting and high-performance computing services.

Miners Shift Toward AI and HPC Services

Bitcoin miners have searched for new revenue lines since the 2024 halving reduced block rewards. Companies including IREN, MARA Holdings, Cipher Digital, Hut 8, HIVE Digital and TeraWulf have explored AI services. They have also marketed sites for high-performance computing and data center hosting.

Wall Street has started treating some miners as power-backed infrastructure companies. Bernstein analysts recently added TeraWulf and Cipher to an emerging AI infrastructure coverage theme. This shift shows how energy access now matters beyond traditional Bitcoin production.

Wyoming’s order does not target Bitcoin miners directly. Still, it may shape how miners, AI firms and data center developers compete for power and local approvals. The state now wants growth, but it also wants tighter standards around resources, homes and long-term infrastructure.