FARMINGTON BAY, Utah — Governor Spencer Cox has issued an executive order setting new guardrails around data centers.
The order, issued Friday aims to set a "higher bar" for data center development. It directs state agencies to prioritize the protection of water resources, the Great Salt Lake and utility ratepayers.
“Utahns have raised important questions about the impact large data centers could have on water, air quality, utility rates and quality of life,” said Cox. “Those concerns deserve to be taken seriously. This executive order establishes a higher bar for how these projects are evaluated and ensures that economic strength and environmental stewardship go hand in hand.”
Included in the order were the following "guiding principles":
- Protecting the Great Salt Lake and other water resources by ensuring water consumption is not increased and water quality is protected.
- Protecting utility ratepayers from bearing the costs of infrastructure needed to serve large data center developments.
- Protecting air quality and minimizing impacts on surrounding communities.
- Providing transparent, meaningful and thorough opportunities for public comment.
- Supporting responsible economic development and job creation, particularly in rural Utah.
Cox's executive order comes after weeks of protests over the proposed Stratos Project data center in Box Elder County that the governor has supported, despite widespread public opposition.
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