SALT LAKE CITY (May 29, 2026) — Today, Sutherland Institute released the following statement from Ford Copple regarding Governor Cox’s executive order on data centers:
“We commend Governor Spencer Cox for today’s executive order on data center infrastructure. Utah has an opportunity to lead the nation by embracing the economic and technological benefits of AI and data centers and being good stewards of energy, water, and air quality. The executive order reflects the public policy reality that technological innovation and responsible stewardship can advance together.
The executive order is a constructive step toward clear standards for one of the most important infrastructure questions facing states today. Data centers are essential to AI development, national competitiveness, workforce growth, public services, and long-term economic opportunity.
At the same time, their development raises important questions about energy affordability, water conservation, air quality, infrastructure demands, and community trust. Sutherland Institute has emphasized these same priorities in its recent report, Building a Human-Centered Digital Future: Part 1, Data Centers.
While the success of this framework will depend on implementation, Governor Cox’s executive order recognizes an important truth: Utah does not have to choose between innovation and stewardship.
With clear standards, meaningful accountability, and thoughtful community engagement, Utah can support the infrastructure needed for AI while remaining faithful to the values that have made the state a national leader.
AI should advance human flourishing, expand economic opportunity, and serve the public good. Data centers are critical infrastructure for that future, and Utah should pursue their development in a way that reflects both ambition and responsibility.“
