Governor Cox (R-UT) signed an executive order establishing a statewide framework to guide the evaluation and development of large data center projects across the state. On Friday morning, Governor Cox signed Executive Order 2026-03 with the goal to direct state agencies to prioritize protecting water resources, including the Great Salt Lake. The order also is set to safeguard utility ratepayers, protect air quality, mitigate wildlife impacts, support transparent public engagement, and ensure future development aligns with the long-term interests of Utah. … The guiding principles of the framework include: Protecting the Great Salt Lake and other water resources by ensuring water consumption is not increased and water quality is protected.

Other data center water use news:

• Gephardt Daily (Sandy, Utah): Cox signs executive order establishing statewide framework for data center development
• KVOA (Tucson, Ariz.): Tucson data center water use approved with rules
• Arizona Daily Star (Tucson): Opinion: Stop demonizing data centers — Arizona needs them to grow