AGP Executive Report

Utah Data Center Fight: Utah Senate President J. Stuart Adams says he’s sent Kevin O’Leary a letter demanding the Stratos project shrink 75% (from 40,000 acres to about 10,000), with stronger water protections for the Great Salt Lake, more transparency, and independent scientific review—amid ongoing public anger over water, emissions, and process. Local Politics: In Utah’s 2nd Congressional District GOP debate, Blake Moore and Karianne Lisonbee clashed over the Box Elder hyperscale data center, with Lisonbee saying she’s “not supportive at this point” until key questions are answered. Drought & Water Impacts: Low Great Salt Lake levels have already forced removal of two dozen boats from the marina, raising concerns for more damage as conditions persist. Heat Planning: Weber State research is helping Ogden map urban heat, with summer readings topping 100°F in parts of downtown—guiding comfort and planning for hotter summers. Public Health Watch: A potential Super El Niño could raise hantavirus risk indirectly by boosting rodent populations after wetter conditions. Wildlife & Land Use: A Colorado elk herd migration area near Dinosaur National Monument is slated for a major oil-and-gas lease sale, putting dark-sky tourism and wildlife habitat in the spotlight.

Data Center Fight in Box Elder: Utah Senate President J. Stuart Adams says he’s sent Kevin O’Leary a letter demanding the Stratos/“O’Leary Digital” project shrink 75%—from 40,000 acres to about 10,000—plus stronger environmental protections, heat-capture requirements, independent scientific review, and a public-facing transparency site, including how water would be treated and dedicated to the Great Salt Lake. Wildlife & Water Concerns: Adams also calls for a memorandum of understanding to protect wildlife and agricultural uses in the reduced footprint, as public backlash grows over water, air, and emissions impacts. Public Health Monitoring: In Canada’s Sea to Sky Corridor, a multi-agency mosquito program found mosquitoes testing positive for California serogroup viruses linked to encephalitis cases, underscoring how climate and habitat shifts can affect disease risk. Utah Hunting Season Prep: Utah’s antlerless big game hunt application window opens June 9, with the state framing targeted hunts as a way to manage herds and reduce localized conflicts. Recreation Policy Shift: A new federal move rolls back long-standing limits on off-highway vehicles in national parks and other public lands, drawing conservation criticism over potential land damage.

AI Data Centers & Water/Energy Backlash: Sen. Elizabeth Warren is amplifying complaints that AI data centers are driving up utility costs and straining local water supplies, with residents near large projects describing polluted water and higher bills. Great Salt Lake: A new poll finds Utahns’ concern about the Great Salt Lake is climbing, as the state and federal government push for more water and funding to address exposed lakebed impacts. Stratos Project Fight: Reporting on Kevin O’Leary’s proposed 40,000-acre Box Elder data center campus highlights mounting resistance over how it will be powered—Gov. Cox now says it “will never” run entirely on natural gas, pointing to nuclear, geothermal, and solar instead. Wildlife Crossings: States are rolling out more wildlife road crossings to cut animal-vehicle crashes, with new funding mechanisms like Oregon’s wildlife-focused hotel tax. Utah Outdoor Safety: Search teams are looking for a missing man at Willard Bay Reservoir, and wildlife officials are reminding people to use caution around moose and other young animals. Boating Rules: Utah is reminding boaters about aquatic invasive species requirements, including mussel-aware courses and fees. Wildfire Watch: Forecasts point to a hotter, drier week with elevated fire danger across Utah.

Utah Watercraft Rules: Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and state law enforcement are reminding boaters, paddleboarders and kayakers that aquatic invasive species requirements are still the same this year, even after new boating-course and fee changes passed by the Legislature that won’t take effect until Jan. 1, 2027. Wildlife in Neighborhoods: A moose gave birth to twin calves in a Park City area neighborhood, prompting residents to block a street while wildlife officials advised people to keep distance. Fire Weather Watch: Forecasters say a hotter, drier pattern is building across Utah, with increasing wildfire danger and locally critical conditions expected in southern and eastern Utah. Data Centers Under New Oversight: Gov. Spencer Cox issued an executive order setting a “higher bar” for Utah data center development after public backlash over the Stratos Project, with new standards aimed at water, air quality, wildlife protection, utility rate impacts and public input. Great Salt Lake Access: Great Salt Lake Marina boat slips are being pulled as water levels drop, though people can still launch from the state park ramp and recreate on the water. Drought’s Wildlife Hit: A new study using GPS collar data from Nevada and Utah finds severe drought shrinks highly suitable habitat for mule deer, black bears and cougars.

Data Center Rules Tightened: Utah Gov. Spencer Cox signed an executive order setting a “higher bar” for AI data center development, responding to public pressure over the Stratos project—calling for stronger protections for the Great Salt Lake, air and water quality, wildlife, and utility ratepayers, plus more meaningful public comment. Local Accountability: A report says a former Utah congressman, Jason Chaffetz, could financially benefit depending on the outcome of the Box Elder-area Stratos deal, raising fresh questions about who gains as communities bear the impacts. Power for Parks: Federal approval cleared a 15-kilovolt transmission line to bring more reliable electricity to Goblin Valley State Park, with an environmental assessment finding no significant impact. Wildfire Prep in Park City: As Utah faces drought and an above-normal wildfire season, Park City Fire District’s free wood-chipping program is underway to reduce fuel loads. Water Safety on Utah Lakes: Experts urged watercraft users to take safety seriously, warning that people jumping in to help can turn one incident into multiple drownings. Wildlife & Habitat: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service moves to expand hunting and fishing access across national wildlife refuges, including in the Mountain West.

Data Center Fight in Box Elder: Kevin O’Leary’s 40,000-acre Stratos/Wonder Valley project is drawing fresh heat as he claims China-linked “foreign-directed propaganda” is fueling Utah opposition, while residents and advocates keep raising concerns about water, air, and impacts near the Great Salt Lake. State Policy Shift: Gov. Spencer Cox’s Operation Gigawatt Summit put nuclear power front and center, signaling Utah’s “all-of-the-above” energy push as mega-projects strain the grid. Great Salt Lake Science: University of Utah researchers described a tiny free-living worm found in the lake’s microbialites—an ultra-rare clue to how life survives extreme salt conditions. Wildlife Safety: Utah wildlife officials warn drought may push moose into lower elevations; residents are urged to give animals space and never approach or feed them. Outdoor Recreation Pressure: Sand Hollow State Park visitation has quadrupled over the past decade, bringing more emergency calls as crowds grow. Public Health: Utah’s Southeast Utah Health Department says a two-week foodborne illness investigation in Carbon County is now resolved, with prevention steps focused on keeping ill workers off the job. Air Quality Leadership: Utah Clean Air Partnership named Dane Ishihara executive director to lead practical, collaborative air-quality work.

Data Center Policy Shift: Gov. Spencer Cox signed an executive order creating statewide guardrails for large data centers, directing agencies to prioritize the Great Salt Lake, protect air and water quality, mitigate wildlife impacts, prevent utility rate hikes, and expand meaningful public comment after intense protests over the proposed Stratos project in Box Elder County. Local Protest & Legal Fight: Opponents of the Box Elder data center push held rallies and sought referendums; county officials said referendum efforts targeting two resolutions failed legal muster, with possible court appeals ahead. Great Salt Lake Roundtable: Cox convened a Great Salt Lake roundtable with state, federal, and conservation leaders, tying the new data-center framework to broader lake protection goals. Wildlife & Outdoor Safety: Utah wildlife officials tranquilized and relocated a bear from a Park City neighborhood; separately, a human-caused wildfire in Utah County was contained with no structures lost, and officials urged safer recreation planning. Public Lands Hunting Expansion: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said more than 95% of refuge lands could be open to hunting after proposed expansions, including new sport fishing and big-game opportunities in the Mountain West.

Great Salt Lake Action: Gov. Spencer Cox will convene a Great Salt Lake Roundtable Friday with state, federal, conservation, and scientific leaders, then join a Farmington Bay service project focused on trail fixes and invasive weed removal. Wildlife Safety: Utah wildlife officials are urging people to leave baby deer and elk alone in June, warning that “abandoned” young are often intentionally left hidden and that interference can be fatal. Box Elder Data Center Fight: Opponents of the Stratos Project say they’ll keep challenging the plan after county attorney rulings blocked referendum efforts; organizers plan to appeal to Utah’s First District Court. Nuclear in Green River: A long-stalled Green River nuclear project is moving forward via a new partnership shifting toward small modular reactors, aiming to better fit Utah’s water-scarce conditions. Drought + Storm Risks: After severe drought restrictions, storms brought flash flooding in eastern Utah, underscoring how quickly dangerous runoff can hit. Wildfire Watch: Utah County crews are battling a new Anderson Point Fire as drought and wind keep fire danger elevated.

Wildfire & drought watch: Crews battled the new Anderson Point Fire in unincorporated southeastern Utah County, about 15 acres and “running,” with structures threatened as drought, low humidity, and wind raise fire risk. Wildlife response: Utah wildlife officers tranquilized and removed a young black bear from a Park City neighborhood after it climbed a tree near Prospector Park; officials tagged it and are deciding whether to relocate it. Data center fight in Utah: Box Elder County’s Stratos data center referendum decision is expected Thursday, after commissioners approved the 40,000-acre project and opponents pushed for a public vote; a separate Utah auditor’s office launched a “Transparent Utah” dashboard to compile records on the Military Installation Development Authority amid the backlash. Policy pressure beyond Utah: California’s Assembly passed the “Stop Nick Shirley Act,” expanding privacy protections for immigrant service providers under its Safe At Home program. Energy & nuclear momentum: Holtec announced its SMR-300 role in the Green River Advanced Nuclear Project under Operation Gigawatt, highlighting operation in arid environments. Public health reminder: Summit County urged residents to seek guidance after any direct contact with bats, as rabies risk is tied to warm-weather encounters.

Stratos Data Center Fight: Box Elder County’s proposed 40,000-acre Stratos Project is still roiling Utah, with new reporting saying a second water-right transfer application was withdrawn after hundreds of protests—while the project’s backers insist the plan won’t harm the Great Salt Lake. Energy & Air Concerns: Utah Gov. Spencer Cox says the first phase may use natural gas, but future phases “should not” be gas-only, pointing to nuclear, geothermal, solar and other options—an argument critics say doesn’t address pollution and water stress. Wildfire Watch: A new federal outlook flags heightened wildfire risk across the West this summer as drought and warmer conditions dry fuels. Drought Impacts on Farms: A record-low snowpack and late freezes have triggered emergency relief for fruit growers, with some orchards reporting near-total losses. Local Mobility & Safety: Salt Lake City opened the 400 South Viaduct Trail and extended the 300 West Bikeway, but a new state law requires traffic-calming impact mitigation. Wildlife in Neighborhoods: Utah wildlife officials shared safety tips after moose calves were born in a Park City area, underscoring how quickly animals can move into developed spaces.

Great Salt Lake & Water Rights: A second water-rights change application for the proposed Stratos data center in Box Elder County was withdrawn, after protests from Utahns worried about wildlife, drought, and impacts to the shrinking Great Salt Lake. Wildfire Preparedness: Rocky Mountain Power says it’s ready for a dangerous wildfire season, including automatic shutoffs and possible temporary de-energizing of lines, as Utah faces record-low snowpack and heightened fire risk. Drought Impacts: Federal officials warn this winter’s snowpack is already gone in many Western areas, setting a new low benchmark for states including Utah—raising stakes for summer water supply. Wildlife & Homes: New research finds migrating big game animals need substantial space between rural houses and other structures, offering practical guidance for zoning and planning. Utah Moose Safety: Utah Division of Wildlife Resources highlights moose conflict tips for summer recreation, noting drought may push animals closer to neighborhoods. Statewide Environment Leadership: Wyoming, Idaho, and Utah DEQ released results from the Tri-State Bear River Basin water quality survey, showing relatively favorable stream conditions but identifying some E. coli exceedances. Data Center Debate in Utah: A poll and ongoing public push show many Utahns doubt data centers’ benefits outweigh resource burdens, as local officials and residents press for standards and transparency.

Wildfire Watch: The National Weather Service issued Red Flag Warnings for parts of Utah and nearby regions, citing strong winds, very dry air, and parched vegetation—conditions that can turn a small ignition into a fast-moving fire. Power Reliability: Rocky Mountain Power warned Utah customers to expect potentially more frequent and longer power shutoffs this summer as it adjusts wildfire safety settings and prepares for wind-driven risk. Great Salt Lake Water Funding: After a federal freeze delayed drought mitigation work, Utah is set to receive about $35M from the Inflation Reduction Act for Colorado River Basin projects, with the money routed to the Division of Wildlife Resources. Data Center Backlash: Hundreds rallied at the Utah Capitol against a proposed Box Elder data center campus, while Iron County paused future AI data center applications for 180 days amid concerns about zoning, infrastructure, and long-term impacts. Utah Lake Crossing Debate: A proposed east-west bridge near Utah Lake is back on the table, with critics warning it could undo decades of restoration. Wildlife Safety: Utah wildlife officials urged people to keep distance from baby animals as spring birthing season ramps up.

Data Center Fight Hits Congress: A new national push is turning Utah’s AI-data-center backlash into a federal showdown, with lawmakers debating bills, a possible moratorium, and EPA changes as communities warn of higher power costs and neighborhood impacts. Utah Drought Pressure: Utah’s wildfire risk remains high, with Rocky Mountain Power preparing to cut power in dangerous conditions as the state’s snowpack stays record-low. Colorado River Tradeoff: Across the Southwest, officials are weighing “cool water” releases to protect threatened fish against major hydropower and ratepayer costs. Local Wins for Wildlife: Utah crews inspected 8,276 boats over Memorial Day and decontaminated 195 to slow aquatic invasive species spread. Community Life: Salt Lake County childcare closures are forcing nearly 300 families to scramble for new options. Bike Safety Note: A study ranks Salt Lake City among the safest big metros for cyclists.

Utah Drought Watch: Gov. Spencer Cox’s drought declaration is landing as federal forecasters hint at a possible above-normal summer for precipitation, with most of Utah seeing a 33%–50% chance of wetter-than-usual months—still not a fix for record-low snowpack. Great Salt Lake & Smoke: Memorial Day prescribed burns in Farmington Bay and near Antelope Island released big plumes and ash across Davis and Weber counties as crews targeted invasive phragmites to help restore lake water flow. Wildlife in Neighborhoods: Utah Division of Wildlife Resources relocated a moose after it wandered into a Springville backyard, warning that dry conditions may push animals closer to people. Energy & Power Politics: The national data-center fight is now in Congress, with lawmakers debating how to prevent higher utility bills while projects expand. Local Infrastructure: UDOT says fiber optic work along SR-9 and the Zion–Mt. Carmel Highway will bring lane narrowing starting June 1.

Drought Watch: Utah’s drought has deepened after a record-low snowpack, prompting Gov. Spencer Cox to declare a statewide emergency and urging conservation as reservoirs sit around 70% (with the “checking account” of mountain snow running low). El Niño Hope (With a Catch): New federal forecasts give Utah a better-than-usual shot at above-normal precipitation this summer, but forecasters warn El Niño could still shift timing and outcomes. Wildfire Risk: Dry conditions are also fueling fast-moving fire starts—5 new Utah wildfires in 24 hours, with crews working to contain small but dangerous blazes. Data Center Fight: Meanwhile, the Stratos AI data center proposal in Box Elder County is still sparking backlash over water and power demands, with Utah lawmakers weighing impacts on wildlife and the environment. Energy Push: At the same time, Utah and the Mountain West are leaning into geothermal expansion, and nuclear ambitions got fresh momentum at Utah’s Operation Gigawatt Summit.

PFAS Watch: Utah is “in a good spot” on PFAS in drinking water, but EPA is sending more money for small water systems to test and figure out what they’re dealing with—Utah’s Division of Drinking Water says the next step is getting more sites sampled and treated. Great Salt Lake Pressure: EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin toured Farmington Bay as Utah’s record-low snowpack keeps lake levels dangerously low, while protests continue over a massive proposed Box Elder data center plan tied to Great Salt Lake water concerns. Local Governance: A Utah legislative panel voted to study how data centers could affect wildlife and natural resources, setting up potential rules for the next session. Wildlife in the City: A young moose wandered into a Springville neighborhood and was safely relocated after a DWR response team tranquilized it. Weather & Fire Risk: Memorial Day brings warmer, breezier conditions and elevated wildfire danger across dry parts of Utah.