Tooele County data center misinformation addressed by council, resolution adopted
Tooele County officials have clarified that no data center project has been approved and no applications have been received, addressing circulating speculations. The County Council adopted Resolution No. 2026-18, directing various departments to review and recommend revisions to the county's land use ordinance regarding data centers, energy provisions, and significant development zones. This action formalizes public involvement in evaluating potential amendments to county regulations.
Tooele County, Utah officials have publicly clarified that no data center projects or applications have been approved by the County Council, Planning Commission, or any other county body, addressing recent public speculation. This announcement follows a proactive review of the county's land use regulations after neighboring counties began discussions on data center developments.
During their review, officials noted a gap in the Tooele County Land Use Ordinance, which lacked specific regulations for data centers. In response, the Tooele County Council adopted Resolution No. 2026-18 during a recent meeting. This resolution directs the Tooele County Planning & Zoning Department, County Manager's Office, County Attorney's Office, Planning Commission, and other relevant staff to recommend necessary revisions to the Land Use Ordinance.
The revisions are intended to address data centers, County Energy Excise Tax, high-impact consumer provisions, and significant development zone overlay standards. The county's objective is to develop regulations that balance private property rights and economic growth with public interests, responsible infrastructure and resource use, and appropriate methods for managing energy demands. Officials emphasized that any proposed changes will undergo a transparent public process, including reviews, discussions, and input from residents.