- Utah Gov. Spencer Cox signed an executive order Friday creating statewide guidelines for large data centers, focusing on water use, air quality, energy generation, wildlife protection and transparency.
- The order comes after major backlash over a proposed 40,000-acre data center project in Box Elder County, where protesters raised concerns about environmental impacts and investor involvement.
- Multiple Utah agencies will now review and approve parts of future projects, as the state tries to balance economic growth with environmental stewardship.
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox signed an executive order on Friday morning establishing a framework for the development of large data centers in the state.
It orders state agencies to protect water resources, air quality and utility ratepayers, promote economic growth in rural Utah, mitigate wildlife impacts, expand energy generation, lead pro-human AI development and provide transparency through approval processes.
“Utahns have expressed legitimate concerns regarding the potential impacts of large data centers on water resources, air quality, utility rates, local communities and quality of life,” Cox wrote in the order. “And those concerns must be carefully considered.”
Cox’s order follows widespread public outcry about a 40,000-acre data center in Box Elder County.
On May 4, the project was unanimously approved by Box Elder County commissioners and was met by protesters in the county’s fairgrounds. Some were worried about the environmental impact the project would pose; others were against “Shark Tank” investor Kevin O’Leary’s involvement.
Several days after the protest, Cox announced that five government agencies would need to approve specific aspects of the project before Phase 1 of the construction could begin.
- Division of Air Quality: Will evaluate projected air pollutant emissions and mandate control techniques.
- Division of Drinking Water: Will review drinking water systems. These systems must be physically separate from water used for cooling, fire protection or power generation.
- Division of Water Quality: Requires permits for all surface water and groundwater discharges to waters of the state, including the Great Salt Lake.
- Division of Water Rights: Will evaluate water availability.
- Division of Wildlife Resources: Can review the center’s potential impacts and provide recommendations to minimize/mitigate impacts to wildlife once a formal plan is submitted.
Friday’s executive order attempts to balance environmental protection with the state’s goal to grow its economy and attract businesses.
“With Industry as our state motto, Utah is committed to advancing both economic strength and environmental stewardship,” Cox wrote.
