Governor Cox issues executive order on Utah data centers
Utah Governor Spencer Cox signed an executive order establishing a new statewide framework for future large-scale data center development. State agencies are now directed to consider factors like long-term water availability, electrical infrastructure capacity, and air quality during project reviews. This action follows public opposition to a proposed data center in Box Elder County.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox issued an executive order on May 29, creating a new statewide framework for the development of large-scale data centers. The order mandates that state agencies, when reviewing future data center proposals, must consider several critical factors. These include long-term water availability, the capacity of electrical infrastructure, potential impacts on air quality, and the overall effect on surrounding communities. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of public transparency and opportunities for community engagement throughout the project review process.
The governor's action comes in the wake of significant public opposition to the proposed Stratos data center project in Box Elder County, which highlighted concerns over resource management and environmental impacts. The order explicitly aims to balance Utah's economic growth through technology investment with the protection of natural resources, including water and wildlife, and the maintenance of reliable utility systems. It also seeks to shield utility ratepayers from excessive infrastructure costs associated with large-scale developments.
This executive order, effective immediately, sets statewide expectations for evaluating future technology and infrastructure projects across Utah, including areas like Kane County, where similar projects have not yet been proposed.