Who approves large-scale data centers in Utah? It depends on where it's proposed
Utah lawmakers are preparing to revisit large-scale data center policy next month, while community members in Tooele County have raised concerns during a public hearing about who approves these projects. Issues such as water usage, traffic, and growth are central to the debate, prompting calls for new guidelines for hyperscale AI data centers.
KUTV 2 News Investigates delved into concerns surrounding large-scale data centers in Utah, as state lawmakers prepare to review the issue next month. Reporter Ariel Harrison explored the question of who decides on the approval of these projects, following previous reports on tax incentives and upcoming legislative studies.
Community members in Tooele County recently voiced significant concerns during a public hearing, where county leaders were considering new rules for data centers. Residents expressed worries about losing local control and the substantial water usage associated with such projects. Dr. Robert Sowerby, a civil engineering professor at BYU, explained that the approval authority varies depending on the project's location, involving city, county, state, and even federal governments, often through multiple layers of review including zoning and planning commissions.
Sowerby noted that the emergence of hyperscale AI data centers is changing the discussion, as these facilities are larger and more resource-intensive than traditional industrial developments. He suggested that existing policies, which often classify data centers under general industrial users, need to be updated to define them as a distinct entity due to their unique impacts. Utah Representative Paul Cutler confirmed that lawmakers voted to open a bill to define large-scale data centers, recognizing that the scale of AI data centers necessitates new guidelines to assist local officials in making informed decisions.
Lawmakers are scheduled to meet in August to gather information on current regulations and tax incentives, which will help shape potential legislative changes for the next session. Communities, meanwhile, are urging decision-makers to proceed cautiously, emphasizing that no tax benefits are worth sacrificing local control and that Utah could set an example for the country in managing data center development.