SALT LAKE CITY — Gov. Spencer Cox on Friday signed and executive order aimed at setting up “higher standards” to guide the development of data centers in Utah, according to a release from the Governor's Office.
Details of the new framework
Executive order 2026-03 “creates a Data Center Framework that directs state agencies to prioritize protection of water resources, including the Great Salt Lake, safeguard utility ratepayers, protect air quality, mitigate wildlife impacts, support transparent public engagement and ensure future development aligns with Utah’s long-term interests,” the release says.
Key guiding principles for development
The Governor's Office cited the following guiding principals:
Protecting the Great Salt Lake and other water bodies
Protecting utility ratepayers from higher costs
Protecting air quality; minimizing impact to communities
Providing opportunities for public comment
Supporting economic development and job creation
Governor addresses community concerns
“Utahns have raised important questions about the impact large data centers could have on water, air quality, utility rates and quality of life,” Cox said in the release. “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.”
This story will be updated.
