Data Center Development in Utah

Data Centers in the Desert: Water, Energy, and Concerns in Utah Communities

Our project focuses on the intersection of water use, energy demand, and community perceptions of data centers and their impact in Utah. We will use mixed methods to answer our three research questions:

1. How do water and energy demands intersect and interrelate for Utah’s data centers, and is comprehensive consumptive use data available to understand the water-energy nexus?
2. How do Utah residents perceive data centers in general and in their own communities, what are the primary factors driving their support or opposition, and how do these views change over time?
3. How can state and local policymakers and practitioners respond to emerging socio-ecological and regulatory challenges posed by data centers, and what information could improve their decision-making?
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