Utah legislature to explore data centers' impacts
The Utah State Legislature is launching a study into the statewide impacts of data centers on wildlife, water, and air, driven by concerns from Representative Doug Owens. This initiative comes amid significant controversy surrounding the Stratos Project data center in Box Elder County, which is facing a water rights dispute and citizen opposition. The study could lead to new regulations for the data center industry in the state.
The Utah State Legislature is initiating a study to examine the statewide impacts of data centers, an effort spearheaded by Rep. Doug Owens (D-Millcreek).
During a Natural Resources Interim Committee meeting, Owens successfully advocated for the study to investigate the effects of data centers on wildlife, water, and air resources. While some colleagues expressed skepticism about the perceived harms, they agreed on the necessity of gathering factual information, particularly regarding water and water rights issues. Senator Scott Sandall (R-Tremonton) emphasized the need for legislative experts to provide accurate data, noting that such studies can often precede new industry regulations, with Rep. Owens indicating he would propose a bill for mandatory environmental studies on data centers.
This legislative action is set against the backdrop of significant controversy surrounding the Stratos Project, a large data center planned for Box Elder County and backed by investor Kevin O'Leary. The project has received support from the Military Installation Development Authority (MIDA) and Governor Spencer Cox, but has drawn considerable opposition. Box Elder County Commissioners approved a resolution related to the project, prompting efforts for a citizen-led referendum to repeal it.
Opponents of the Stratos Project have voiced concerns about its potential environmental impact on the Great Salt Lake ecosystem and its high energy consumption. Although O'Leary claims the project will not use excessive water, thousands of formal protests have been filed against the project's water rights applications with the Utah State Engineer.