Data center discussion: Spanish Fork City Council delays vote for amendments that could pave way for data center
The Spanish Fork City Council delayed a vote on amendments to municipal code Title 15, which would establish specific requirements for data centers generating their own electricity. The proposed changes, prompted by Volition's plan to build a data center, include power caps, water usage limits, and noise regulations. The decision to table the vote followed a lengthy public comment period dominated by resident opposition.
The Spanish Fork City Council engaged in a lengthy meeting to discuss and establish requirements for data centers and other facilities generating their own electricity, prompted by a proposal from Volition to build a data center in the city.
The council sought to amend Title 15 of the municipal code, which currently prohibits such facilities. Proposed amendments included capping data centers at 500 megawatts, mandating closed-loop, air-cooled, or dry cooling systems to limit water use, requiring isolation from the electrical grid, and implementing regulations for noise and emissions. Councilman Shane Marshall emphasized that the discussion was about "setting the rules" for any future data center, not approving a specific site plan.
Volition CEO Jeff Chavez stated his company focuses on onsite power generation due to concerns about grid impact. He detailed a proposed 250-megawatt data center at an existing warehouse, planning to use a closed-loop water system with initial fill of 500,000 gallons and 250,000 gallons annually for humidity, while producing low emissions. Chavez claimed the facility would generate over $4 billion in on-site value and at least $40 million in annual tax revenue.
Despite the proposed benefits and regulations, residents voiced strong opposition during a multi-hour public comment period, citing concerns about air quality and the long-term enforceability of regulations if Volition were acquired by a larger entity. Following the six-hour meeting, the council tabled a motion to vote on the Title 15 revisions until September 1, allowing more time to refine the guidelines.