Utah lawmakers to study impact of data centers on wildlife, environment
Utah lawmakers have voted to study the environmental impact of data centers, specifically focusing on wildlife and natural resources. This decision follows significant public scrutiny of a large proposed data center project in Box Elder County. The study aims to gather information to guide future state policy and potential legislation regarding data center development.
A legislative panel in Utah has voted to conduct a study into the environmental impact of data centers on the state's wildlife and other natural resources. This action by the Utah Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment Interim Committee was prompted by a large proposed data center project in Box Elder County, which has faced intense public scrutiny.
The controversial "Stratos Project Area," backed by Canadian businessman Kevin O'Leary, is planned to span approximately 40,000 acres and require 7.5 to 9 gigawatts of power. While Utah's Military Installation Development Authority has approved development guidelines and a tax-incentive plan, and the Box Elder County Commission passed resolutions allowing the project to advance, opponents are concerned about potential impacts on wildlife, air quality, noise, and water availability, especially as the state faces drought conditions.
Lawmakers like Rep. Doug Owens, D-Millcreek, who proposed the study, emphasized the need to understand and minimize deleterious impacts. Utah House Speaker Mike Schultz, R-Hooper, and State Sen. Scott Sandall, R-Tremonton, also expressed support for independent studies to clarify the actual effects of data centers, particularly on water resources. The findings from this legislative study could inform new legislation for the general legislative session starting in early 2027.
This is not the first time Utah lawmakers have addressed data center impacts; a recent law, effective May 6, now requires large data center operators to report water usage and reduction efforts to the state government.