Utah governor posts answers to questions, concerns about Box Elder County data center

Utah Governor Spencer Cox took to social media to address significant public concerns surrounding a proposed data center project in Box Elder County, Utah. Residents had raised questions about water usage, air quality, energy demands, land use, and the long-term impact on rural communities. In response, Governor Cox announced several new actions and agreements from the project developer. The developer has committed to a phased approval process, with the initial phase not exceeding 1.5 gigawatts (GW) and a building footprint of fewer than 2,000 acres. Future expansions beyond this initial phase and potential maximum of 9 GW would require subsequent approvals contingent on meeting clear metrics. Governor Cox also directed the Utah Department of Natural Resources to ensure the use of environmentally sensitive cooling technology to protect the Great Salt Lake and mandated a publicly available water plan from the developer, affirming that no water use would degrade the lake. Further commitments include the developer's pursuit of a balanced energy portfolio, incorporating renewable resources, energy storage, and nuclear generation in addition to natural gas. Governor Cox supported an interlocal agreement between the Military Installation Development Authority (MIDA) and Box Elder County, ensuring local residents benefit from increased tax revenue through investments in schools, services, and property tax reductions. He also directed the Utah Public Service Commission to enforce S.B. 132, preventing the project from negatively impacting electricity costs for Utahns, and emphasized the project's role in supporting infrastructure at Hill Air Force Base and Utah National Guard assets. The governor concluded by reflecting on the tone of public debate, calling for respectful engagement despite strong opinions.