Cox covers misinformation on Box Elder County's data center proposal: Part 2

News Clip1:27KSL News Utah·Box Elder County, UT·5/2/2026

Utah Governor Spencer Cox addressed misinformation surrounding a proposed AI data center in Box Elder County, focusing on debunking claims about water usage and environmental impact. He highlighted Utah's approach to managing data center power consumption to prevent increased rates for residents. The governor emphasized the need for efficiency in project development.

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Gov: Utah Governor's Office, KSL News Utah
Utah Governor Spencer Cox recently spoke on a controversial proposal for an AI data center in Box Elder County, Utah, addressing what he termed "bad information" circulating about such facilities. The Governor specifically challenged claims regarding data centers' water usage and environmental warming, stating that numbers cited by critics are often outdated or deeply flawed. Governor Cox emphasized the necessity of these facilities in the United States and within Utah, posing the question of optimal placement and development. He noted that the proposed Box Elder County location has available water that would be repurposed, not taken from the Great Salt Lake. He also highlighted Utah's proactive measures to prevent data centers from over-consuming the state's power, thereby avoiding significant increases in electricity rates for residents. The Governor expressed frustration with the slow pace of development in the country, asserting that extended timelines do not inherently lead to better or safer outcomes.