The Park County commissioners are taking a hard line with data centers, in large part after hearing overwhelming public sentiment in opposition and due to simply not knowing enough about potential issues. … While Gov. Mark Gordon recently came out opposed to a moratorium at the state level, a number of primary election candidates have expressed opposition to any more data centers being built. … “At this time, based on public input and just the unknown, the recommendation [from the consultant] is to more widely prohibit them as opposed to allow,” Planning Director Joy Hill told commissioners during a work session last week. … “I don’t know how much water they need and how often. I could not tell you. I do not have enough factual information about data centers generally to feel comfortable even advising you.”

Other data center water use news:

• The Salt Lake Tribune: Utahns speak out as yet another data center is planned near the Great Salt Lake
• The Washington Post: Opinion: Data centers show the downside to federal land ownership
• Brookings: Blog: Data center moratoriums are not a substitute for oversight