Proposed Utah legislation could respond to rural opposition to data centers
Rural Utah residents are increasingly opposing data centers near their homes, with opposition rising sharply when projects are located within three miles of a residence. Sen. Mike Lee has proposed legislation that could change data center permitting, while Creekstone Energy says its Millard County Gigasite already complies with current requirements.
Residents in rural Utah have emerged as a significant source of opposition to nearby data center development. A Utah State University survey found that while 25% of Utahns oppose data centers generally, 68% oppose a facility located within three miles of their homes.
Sen. Mike Lee co-authored and proposed legislation on Sept. 30 that could alter data center permitting in Utah. Creekstone Energy, which is developing the Gigasite in Millard County, said the project already complies with existing requirements; the article considers whether the proposed bill could change its permitting environment.