Cox orders ‘higher bar’ for data centers, says public input ‘absolutely matters’ 

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 ordered state agencies making decisions about data centers to prioritize protecting the Great Salt Lake and safeguarding air and water quality, among other factors. 

Cox told reporters Friday that his executive order was “certainly” a response to public feedback, although he does not agree with criticism that the Stratos project backed by celebrity investor Kevin O’Leary would harm the drying lake. 

“But the public has brought up some concerns that some of us didn’t think about that are important, and that matters. I mean it absolutely matters,” Cox said, without elaborating on the issues brought to light by members of the public. 

In a prepared statement included in a news release, Cox said the new framework set by the executive order creates a “higher bar for how these projects are evaluated and ensures that economic strength and environmental stewardship go hand in hand.”

The governor’s comments Friday reflected the shock waves the project sent through Utah, generating large protests at the Capitol and a push from Box Elder County residents to stop it via voter referendum. 

Cox’s remarks were a reversal from the fervent, exasperated tone he used at a news conference in April when asked about opposition to the Stratos project. 

“I’m so tired of our country taking years to get stuff done. It’s the dumbest thing ever. We think that taking time makes things better or safer, it absolutely does not,” he said at the news conference. “You get a chance to give your feedback, and then decisions get made. That’s how we have to do stuff in this country and in this state.”

The following week, he said those comments “did not meet the expectations I have for myself. I seek to do better” and announced a phased approach for the proposed project. 

On Friday, Cox said he would be a “terrible” person and public servant if he didn’t care about the public’s response.

The independent Military Installation Development Authority (MIDA) that gave initial approval for the project and is working with its developers isn’t subject to the governor’s directive. But Cox’s order requires state agencies to “communicate and coordinate frequently” with MIDA, other authorities and local governments. 

Cox acknowledged his order doesn’t give any extra authority to executive agencies such as the departments of natural resources and environmental quality that review permits and applications from data center developers. Rather, he said it doubles down on his previous directive barring any new water rights in northern Utah, a move designed to keep already low stream and river flows to the lake from shrinking further. 

The other priorities Cox laid out include promoting job growth and the economy, limiting effects on wildlife and Utahns’ utility bills, providing “transparent, meaningful and thorough opportunities for public comment” and leading out on “pro-human AI development in Utah.” 

Read Cox’s executive order below:

This is a developing story and will be updated.