Utah’s governor has issued an executive order establishing a “higher bar” for data center development in the state.

Governor Spencer Cox’s order, issued late last month, commits the state to a transparent and accountable public process when it comes to evaluating potential data centers and directs state agencies to protect utility ratepayers, Utah residents’ quality of life, and the Great Salt Lake.

Specifically, the executive order promotes “careful consideration” of the potential impacts on noise, heat, lighting, traffic, air, and water when it comes to large-scale data center development.

It includes provisions around protecting water resources throughout the state by ensuring water consumption is not increased and quality is protected. The order also states that data center developments must promote economic and job growth in rural Utah and mitigate local wildlife impacts.

It also looks to ensure data center development does not shift energy infrastructure costs onto existing households or businesses.

In the order, Cox referenced his Pro-Human AI Initiative, first announced in 2025, that aims to ensure developments in AI, including data centers that support AI, remain “human-guided and human-enhancing.”

In comments to reporters last month, Cox said the executive order was a result of public pressure, which was largely a reference to protests against Canadian businessman and television personality Kevin O’Leary’s plans for a mega AI data center, dubbed Stratos Project, in Utah.

Governor Spencer previously expressed support for the project, but has since dialed back his comments.

O’Leary has now scaled down plans for the data center due to public backlash. In comments to NBC News on 4 June, O’Leary said he had no choice but to slim down the campus.

Around the same time as these comments, a lawsuit was filed against O’Leary by a non-profit group, the Alliance for a Better Utah, and a group of anonymous residents, alleging that local residents’ rights were violated when the project was approved.

According to plaintiffs, the Military Installation Development Authority (MIDA) exercised powers as an unelected body, unauthorized by the Utah Constitution.

In late April, local officials postponed a planning commission vote on the project due to concerns that MIDA and state officials were not clear about the size of the project and the extent of state and county involvement.