Cox Signs New Order for Data Center Development After Public Outcry
The framework directs agencies to weigh water use, air quality and ratepayer costs as large projects seek approval.
- On Friday, Utah Governor Spencer Cox signed an executive order establishing a "Data Center Framework" directing state agencies to prioritize protection of the Great Salt Lake and water resources while safeguarding utility ratepayers.
- The order follows mounting public pushback against a proposed 40,000-acre data center in Box Elder County, where critics raised concerns about environmental impacts and Shark Tank investor Kevin O'Leary's involvement.
- Five government agencies must now approve specific project aspects before construction begins, including air emissions and water availability assessments. Utah Department of Environmental Quality Commissioner Tim Davis noted that permitting for the Stratos Project remains at least one year away.
- Community groups like the Box Elder Accountability Referendum remain skeptical, with Brenna Williams calling the order a "PR stunt." While Cox suggested the order could delay the project, opponents argue the Military Installation Development Authority may still be exempt.
- Cox floated a potential special legislative session in September to pass additional data center laws. Lawmakers recently approved a measure requiring large operators to report water usage, supporting ongoing efforts to enhance transparency and protect natural resources.
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Utah's governor just tightened the rules for Kevin O'Leary's giant AI data center
Utahns opposing the Stratos Project protest outside the Utah State Capitol on May 23.Natalie Behring/Getty ImagesGov. Spencer Cox issued an executive order on data center developments in Utah.It establishes a framework that includes protections for water resources.Utah residents have protested a huge data center development backed by Kevin O'Leary.Utah's governor is all for new AI data centers — under certain conditions.After a massive data cent…
Cox orders ‘higher bar’ for data centers, says public input ‘absolutely matters’
Gov. Spencer Cox speaks to reporters about data centers and the Great Salt Lake at the Eccles Wildlife Education Center at Farmington Bay on Friday, May 29, 2026 as Utah Representatives Blake Moore and Celeste Maloy look on. (Annie Knox, Utah News Dispatch)Facing public outcry from across the state and intense pushback from communities closest to a massive proposed data center in northern Utah, Gov. Spencer Cox on Friday said the health of the G…
BREAKING: Cox signs executive order establishing statewide framework for data center development
FARMINGTON, Utah, May 29, 2026 (Gephardt Daily) — Gov. Spencer Cox on Friday signed an executive order establishing what his office described as a statewide framework for evaluating and guiding the development of large data center projects in Utah. Executive Order 2026-03 creates a Data Center Framework directing state agencies to prioritize protection of water resources, including the Great Salt Lake, safeguard utility ratepayers, protect air q…
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