HEAL Utah is asking our state lawmakers and Governor Cox to establish a statewide Data Center Impact Review, and to pause approval of any new data center projects until the framework is in place, including data centers that have been approved but construction has not started. Specifically, the review should address:

Public Health, Air Quality, Heat, and Noise: Communities deserve to understand the full public health implications of these projects. The review should include:

• Multiple independent analyses of air pollution impacts including not just individual project impacts, but the cumulative impacts of all data centers across the state
  • Thorough analysis of noise and heat impacts on local communities, as well as comprehensive strategies to offset those impacts

Water Use and Conservation: In one of the driest states in the nation, water demands must be carefully considered. The review should include:

• Multiple independent analyses of how water usage for data centers will impact local communities, agriculture, and ecosystems (ex. Great Salt Lake)
• Publicly available data about projected and actual annual water use, with effective control methods to limit consumption and repercussions if those limits are surpassed. 
• Clear guidelines on how wastewater will be treated and discharged
• Contingency plans for periods of severe drought that prioritize water to nearby communities over the facility.

Energy Use and Ratepayer Protections: Communities deserve complete transparency regarding energy use and costs, especially as it relates to their energy bills and access. The review should include:

• Multiple independent analyses of how data center projects will impact energy reliability and cost for individual ratepayers
• Publicly available data about projected and actual energy use
• What grid updates would be required, and backed assurances from the state that ratepayers will not be held responsible for fronting the cost for upgrades that primarily benefit data centers
• Transparency around the energy sources used to power data center projects, and whether renewable energy/battery storage will be prioritized over coal and gas generation

Land Use and Wildlife: Utah’s agricultural lands, wildlife habitat, open spaces, and rural communities deserve thoughtful protection. The review should include:

• Multiple independent analyses of impacts to wildlife habitat and migration corridors, access to public land, agricultural production, and future housing opportunities
• Framework to assess whether the proposed site and project represents the most appropriate land use for the nearby communities and for the future.

Jobs and Economic Benefits: Before public resources are committed, communities need clear and verifiable information about economic benefits. The review should include:

• Analysis the types, quality, and number of jobs generated from a given data center project during construction and operation, with assurances of long-term job opportunities.
• Multiple independent analyses of the types of tax incentives and/or subsidies offered to the data centers and whether those incentives undercut community investments.

Community Benefits and Consent: Communities deserve more than promises or campaign talking points. Every major project should be required to negotiate a publicly available Community Benefit Agreement developed alongside local residents and stakeholders. These agreements should include:

• Local hiring commitments
• Community investments
• Infrastructure improvements
• Environmental protections
• Clear enforcement mechanisms and penalties for noncompliance
• Opportunities for amendments and updates with changing circumstances