Utah has 'major gaps' in regulating noise, temperature from new data centers, agency head says
Utah currently has "major gaps" in its regulations for noise and temperature impacts from new data centers, according to the state's environmental quality commissioner. While some laws exist for power and water use, discussions are underway to address these overlooked environmental concerns, especially in light of the controversial Stratos Project in Box Elder County.
Tim Davis, commissioner of the Utah Department of Environmental Quality, informed state lawmakers that Utah lacks sufficient regulations for noise and temperature emissions from new data centers, highlighting these as "major gaps" in the state's permitting process. He noted that the controversial Stratos Project in Box Elder County, which previously led to several elected officials being unseated, has not yet begun its air quality permit process. Davis warned that data centers increasing pollution along the Wasatch Front, an area already out of compliance with the Clean Air Act for ozone, would face extreme difficulty in gaining approval.
While Utah has enacted laws requiring large data centers to find alternative power sources and regulating water use, Davis emphasized the absence of noise and heat emission regulations. He plans to collaborate with state universities and other agencies to develop policies addressing these issues. Jake Garfield, deputy director of the Utah Office of Energy Development, lauded Utah's 2025 law on alternative power sources, stating it protects ratepayers from bearing the costs of large data loads.
A lawmaker, Rep. Doug Fiefia, R-Herriman, expressed concern over the lack of clarity regarding accountability for data center approvals, citing constituent frustrations about the fragmented approval process involving multiple agencies. Davis acknowledged the need for better inter-agency coordination, assuring that state officials are exploring ways to streamline the process. The recent Capitol Hill hearings are expected to influence future data center development policy when lawmakers reconvene for their annual general session in January.