Iron County presses pause on new AI data center proposals to review current regulations
Iron County in Utah has enacted a 180-day moratorium on new artificial intelligence data center applications to review its current zoning laws and regulations. This decision follows concerns, particularly regarding water usage, raised by residents in response to the proposed Pronghorn data center, which is unaffected by the pause and will proceed to a planning commission vote on June 4.
The Iron County Planning Commission has initiated a 180-day moratorium on new applications for artificial intelligence data centers, citing the need to review and strengthen current zoning laws and regulations. Brett Hamilton, Iron County planner and services coordinator, explained that the county aims to develop clearer guidelines for large-scale hyperscale facilities following lessons learned from recent proposals.
The decision was primarily driven by community concerns regarding significant water usage, highlighted by the proposed Pronghorn data center project. This project, slated for 640 acres northwest of Cedar City, is projected to require a one-time fill of 19 acre-feet and 3-5 acre-feet for ongoing maintenance. Iron County Commissioner Paul Cozzens acknowledged these water concerns, noting that the development is on private property with fully appropriated water rights.
Despite the county-wide pause, the Pronghorn data center's application, which has been deemed complete, will continue its review process and proceed to a planning commission vote on June 4 at Festival Hall in Cedar City. The 180-day moratorium period will be used by the county's planning and zoning department to research and implement updated regulations to protect citizens' interests, as state law limits such ordinances to a maximum of 180 days.