Those gentle summer breezes are not just the weather but from flapping tongues arguing over political issues that will linger beyond the June 23 primaries.
The proposed data center in Box Elder (aka the Stratos Project) has drawn opposition from across the political spectrum. A Deseret News/Hinckley Institute of Politics poll reveals a majority of Utahns have concerns. Almost 70% don’t believe the benefits outweigh the burden on resources. A Gallup poll shows 70% of Americans have similar reactions. How could data centers impact the upcoming elections and future policy deliberations?
Cowley: Utah’s first data center, built for the NSA, caused such turmoil that elected officials seriously considered cutting off their utilities. As more are constructed, environmental questions need to be answered, but equally as important is explaining what’s in it for Utah. Many ask whether developing this technology is really worth the trade-offs, such as power consumption, lost jobs, emotional distress and self-harm precipitated by AI companions, or even bots becoming sentient.
I heard the argument, “AI is coming. Wouldn’t you rather America control it than adversarial nations?” The truth is, they already have it. America was the first to wield the world-ending power of nuclear weapons, but it didn’t take long for others to catch up. Even if we do surpass China, they will continue investing in AI and will have fewer scruples about deploying it, regardless of what we do.
Republicans, especially, are in a quandary. Data centers can support military objectives, but lead to increased data collection on citizens, bolstering the surveillance state. AI allows entrepreneurs to innovate, but also eliminates jobs. The dichotomy of objectives and risks could redefine the Republican Party in future elections.
Pignanelli: “What is unusual here is how quickly the Stratos project became a statewide conversation.” — Jason Perry, Hinckley Institute of Politics
Recently in New York City, I visited a display of an original Gutenberg Bible, the first book mass-printed in Europe. This remarkable technology fostered violence, excommunications and major societal changes. Over the next 571 years, other innovations have caused outrage but also brought improvements to humankind.
Hostility toward the data centers is more than anger at buildings. It is a natural reaction to artificial intelligence — a development that will cause major transformations throughout society. This is reflected in statements from politicians, community activists, business leaders and others. Even the increasingly relevant Pope Leo XIV issued a critical statement regarding AI.
The volatility and inevitability of artificial intelligence cannot be ignored. How candidates construct communications to voters will make or break careers. Artificial intelligence will be a sword and a shield in campaigns, lobbying and deliberations at the federal, state and local levels.
Hopefully, violence, massive unemployment, mental anxiety and excommunications will be avoided.
Gov. Cox declared that the entire state is in an emergency drought, caused by the worst snowpack winter on record and above-average temperatures. What are the short- and long-term political consequences, especially if next winter is a repeat of this year?
Cowley: I farm alfalfa and have horse pastures. Drought means my hay yield will go down and pastures will dry up. Drought conditions aren’t just a headline for me; they have real-life consequences.
Legislators need to get tough with water conservation measures, requiring sacrifices from Utahns. Metering all secondary water, incentives for water-wise landscaping and household appliances should be considered. Agriculture takes up a majority of Utah’s water. Farmers using more efficient irrigation systems should be prioritized when it comes time to shut off water. Growth has exploded in the Beehive State, but it’s been decades since we invested in large-scale reservoirs.
Utahns have a reputation for serving communities in crisis after environmental phenomena. Now we must serve our fellow Utahns through conservation.
Pignanelli: Utah is the second most arid state in the nation. This is an increasing problem as we will continue to grow for many decades.
Because Mother Nature alternates between productive and skimpy winters, we will need responsible policies to protect this resource and enhance the Great Salt Lake. Utahns enjoy a legacy of working toward a common good. Citizens will respond to leaders who articulate directives without a partisan agenda and require sacrifices from all, regardless of status or affluence.
We all hope the next winter will have more precipitation. But regardless, we must construct a different approach to using this most basic commodity that reflects reality.
First-term U.S. Sen. John Curtis is considering a run for governor in 2028. Former Congressman and Fox News commentator Jason Chaffetz is already on the hustings. House Speaker Mike Schultz is also a contender, as is Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson. What’s likely to happen this year?
Cowley: Speculated candidates enjoy hearing their names batted around as potential occupants of the Kearns Mansion. Serious candidates are recruiting campaign operatives, raising funds and commissioning surveys. None are likely to announce their intentions until 2027. All will take advantage of rumblings to boost their political clout.
Pignanelli: Chaffetz left office nine years ago, but a continued presence on Fox News bolsters name identification. Schultz enjoys a high-profile position that allows engagement on many popular conservative issues. Henderson is a strong voice on election matters. All are strong contenders for higher office but have attracted detractors who are pushing Curtis.