Thread by @GovCox

I’ve heard from a lot of Utahns over the past week about the proposed data center project in Box Elder County. Many are asking questions about water, air quality, energy, land use, and the long-term impact on rural Utah. Those are real concerns, and all Utahns should expect clear standards and accountability.

Industry is our state’s motto. And in our pursuit of economic strength, we must always ensure that development is thoughtful and in line with Utah values.

Based on conversations with residents, local leaders, subject matter experts, and project stakeholders, the following actions are now being taken regarding this project. 🧵

PROJECT SIZE. The project developer has agreed to focus all approval requests for the project in a phased approach, with the first phase not to exceed 1.5 GW. Rather than focusing approvals on potential projects to be built 10-15 years down the road that could be as large as 9 GW, the current proposal should only be focused on phase one development. Future project approvals must be contingent on meeting clear metrics and expectations during this initial phase.

AIR. In accordance with state law, I am directing the Utah Department of Environmental Quality to review all air permits to ensure project impacts are limited and our airshed is protected. I further instruct Utah DEQ to follow all applicable federal air quality laws and limitations that are relevant to this proposed project.

WATER. In accordance with state law, I am directing the Utah Department of Natural Resources to ensure that the most environmentally-sensitive cooling technology is used to ensure that our water and the Great Salt Lake are protected. In addition, I have requested that the project developer publish a publicly available water plan that demonstrates to Utah DNR officials that no degradation occurs to the Great Salt Lake. All water use must be reported publicly, and in no event will the developer reduce water going to the Great Salt Lake.

LAND. The project developer has agreed that the initial permit in phase one of the project will be fewer than 2,000 acres in the data center building footprint. Development staging, renewable energy generation, energy storage, and project infrastructure may be added to the data center footprint threshold, but the data center structure should not exceed this footprint. Future phases could expand this project footprint but must first proceed through a subsequent approval process to assure local officials that promises are kept. Furthermore, the developer has agreed to ensure that multi-use activities such as grazing and open space be factored into the development plan.

ENERGY. The project developer commits to pursue the deployment of renewable energy resources, energy storage, nuclear generation, or other low- or no-emissions solutions in addition to natural gas. While the intermittency of renewable energy remains a challenge, and solar farms require a far larger footprint than other resources, the project developer is committed to pursuing a balanced portfolio-based solution.

TAXES. I support the interlocal agreement between MIDA and Box Elder County, prioritizing county residents as beneficiaries of economic activity related to this project. I support Box Elder County leaders utilizing increased tax revenue to invest in local schools, municipal services, and lower property taxes for Box Elder County residents.

POWER. I direct the Utah Public Service Commission to stand by the requirements of S.B. 132, which requires that any power development for this specific project not negatively impact electricity costs for Utahns.

MILITARY READINESS. In addition to supporting Box Elder County’s economy, funds derived from this project must support infrastructure projects at Hill Air Force Base and the many Utah National Guard assets. Supporting our military missions is a top priority for my administration, and any project of this scale should strengthen America’s energy resilience, computing capacity, and defense readiness.

In addition to these actions and expectations, we have worked in recent days to better answer many of the most pressing questions about this project in a FAQ. It’s important that we’re dealing in facts and sound research. See here: governor.utah.gov/wp-content/upl…

We will be closely monitoring the progress of this project to ensure alignment with these principles, including adherence to all state and federal environmental requirements before future phases are approved.

I also want to say a word about how we engage in this debate.

Utahns care deeply about our land, our water, our rural towns, and the future we leave to the next generation. Strong opinions are welcome. Healthy disagreement is part of good government. But I know my own comments at a recent press conference did not meet the expectations I have for myself. I seek to do better.

Through all this, we cannot lose sight of our shared humanity. Public officials, community members, and project opponents — these people are our neighbors. Threats and personal attacks have no place in Utah.

Utah must remain a place where we can pursue opportunity, protect the things we love, and treat each other with decency along the way. I believe we can support economic strength while also protecting our land, air, water, and way of life. That remains my commitment to the people of Utah.