Utah lawmakers take first steps to regulate large-scale data centers
Utah lawmakers are initiating steps to regulate large-scale data centers statewide, driven by public outcry over projects like the Stratos Project in Box Elder County. The legislature's Economic Development & Workforce Services Interim Committee unanimously voted to open a bill file to define what constitutes a large-scale data center. Additionally, Governor Spencer Cox issued an executive order establishing guardrails for data center development in the state.
The Utah State Legislature is taking initial steps to regulate large-scale data centers across the state. The Economic Development & Workforce Services Interim Committee, chaired by Sen. Ann Millner, R-Ogden, unanimously voted to open a bill file aimed at formally defining "large-scale data centers" within the Utah State Code.
This legislative action follows significant public opposition, particularly concerning celebrity investor Kevin O'Leary's proposed Stratos Project in Box Elder County. Lawmakers, including Senate President J. Stuart Adams, R-Layton, have faced constituent backlash regarding environmental and quality of life impacts from such developments.
In response to this public pressure, Governor Spencer Cox issued an executive order that establishes "guardrails" for data center development in Utah, signaling a coordinated governmental effort to address the growing concerns.