Emery County officials discuss proposed data center, other development concerns

The Carbon Emery Farm Bureau held its Spring Issue Surfacing Meeting on April 30, 2026, to allow producers to raise issues for potential legislative policy. Emery County President Dusty Huntington presided over the meeting, which saw representatives from Grand, San Juan, Carbon, and Emery counties. Emery County Commissioner Leonard informed attendees about a proposed data center, citing it as a concern for the county, or possibly Carbon County, alongside four other proposed solar projects. These projects have not yet been formally presented to the Emery County Commission for permits. Jaron Hansen, a Regional Representative for Farm Bureau, mentioned that a letter of opposition for solar projects was being drafted, and explained the Utah Trust Lands permitting process. Other significant issues discussed included the presence of a wolf from Colorado affecting Grand and San Juan counties, concerns over County and State Road construction impacting water routes in Grand County, and the impact of increased truck traffic from the Fossil Rock Mine. Marc Stilson, Principal Engineer for Utah on the Colorado River Board, highlighted the dire water crisis in the West, with Lake Powell at less than one-fourth capacity, stressing the need for immediate negotiations among the seven Colorado River Basin states to avoid federal intervention. Carbon County Farm Bureau President Jeff Christensen also addressed the ongoing problem of feral horses along Highway 6. Additionally, Jeff Housekeeper from Valar Atomics presented on the new nuclear industry in Emery County, emphasizing its safety features and potential for coexistence with coal power, while also noting the need for more land for expansion.