Read Gov. Cox’s exec order for higher Utah data center development standards
Utah Governor Spencer Cox issued an executive order establishing a new framework for data center development, including higher standards and increased transparency. This action follows significant public backlash against the Stratos Project data center in Box Elder County, which was greenlit by the county commission without allowing public comment. The framework aims to protect the environment, support rural economic growth, and prevent utility rate hikes.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox has issued a new executive order to establish a framework for higher data center development standards across the state. The order comes in response to considerable public concern regarding the proposed Stratos Project data center in Box Elder County.
Utahns expressed significant worries about the potential impacts of large data centers on water resources, air quality, utility rates, and the quality of life in local communities. The Stratos Project, which could generate up to 9 gigawatts of energy, was greenlit by the Box Elder County Commission on May 4 without allowing public comments, further fueling the backlash.
Governor Cox's executive order emphasizes transparency and calls for 'thorough opportunities for public comments' in future data center decisions. While acknowledging past criticism, the governor stated his office and the Legislature should be more involved in decisions concerning large data centers, admitting the process for the Box Elder project 'was not good.' The initiative also seeks to support rural Utah's economic growth and promote a 'pro-human approach to artificial intelligence.'
In a related move to enhance transparency, the Utah Office of the State Auditor launched a new public dashboard. This dashboard details the finances and projects overseen by the Military Installation Development Authority, the state entity backing the Box Elder project, following numerous public requests for information.