AGP Executive Report

Wildfire Watch: Heat, wind, and low humidity are keeping Red Flag Warnings active across central and southern Utah into the weekend, with gusts and dry fuels raising the odds of fast-moving fires. Data Center Fight in Box Elder: A second lawsuit challenges Utah’s Stratos AI data center plan, arguing state approvals violate the Utah Constitution and could limit public recourse; meanwhile, Kevin O’Leary says he “screwed up” the rollout and agreed to scale back the project. Great Salt Lake Funding: Rep. Celeste Maloy secured $10 million to start a Great Salt Lake Watershed Recovery Program, a first step toward a larger push for $1 billion in recovery funding. Colorado River Pressure: Federal water managers are moving toward a shorter-term Colorado River plan, with new operational guidelines every two years as states struggle to agree. AI’s Water Cost: A new report highlights how AI data centers are consuming massive water volumes nationwide—raising fresh concerns for drought-stressed communities. Utah Heat Trend: Climate Central analysis finds Salt Lake City’s summer temperatures have risen about 6°F since 1970, with western cities warming faster than the rest of the country. Animal Health Alert: Navajo officials are reviewing a screwworm response plan after New World screwworm was detected in Texas, a reminder that livestock disease threats can move north.

Wildfire Watch: The National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning for much of Eastern Utah and Western Colorado this weekend, with extreme fire danger driven by hot temperatures, strong winds, and very low humidity—plus a Fire Weather Watch stretching into midweek. Colorado River: With states still deadlocked, federal officials say they’ll use a shorter-term 10-year operating framework for the Colorado River, updating rules every two years while an Environmental Impact Statement is prepared. Data Center Fight in Utah: Iron County’s planning commission approved a conditional use permit for a massive data center proposal west of Cedar City, despite local concerns about water, air quality, wildlife habitat, noise, traffic, and long-term impacts. Stratos Legal Pressure: A lawsuit challenges Utah’s Military Installation Development Authority framework for the Stratos Project, arguing it unlawfully limits citizens’ direct-democracy rights. Heat and Climate Signal: A new analysis finds the fastest summer warming in the U.S. since 1970, with Salt Lake City among the top western cities. Utah Water Planning: Grand County planners are split over whether a required water-use element should broaden to protect Moab’s aquifer or stay narrowly focused on development demand.

Wildfire Alerts: The National Weather Service issued Red Flag Warnings and a Fire Weather Watch for parts of southern Utah and nearby Nevada, citing hot temperatures, strong winds, and very low humidity that could make fires spread fast. Colorado River: If the seven Colorado River states can’t agree, federal officials say a new 10-year operating framework could be imposed, with negotiators already disagreeing on how reservoir releases should work. Stratos Data Center Fight: A nonprofit lawsuit challenges Utah’s Military Installation Development Authority process for the Stratos Project, arguing it effectively blocks citizens’ referendum rights; meanwhile, Iron County approved a conditional permit for a separate 640-acre data center. Water & Health: EPA announced $27.5 million to help Colorado communities replace lead service lines, aiming to cut drinking-water lead exposure. Utah Wildlife Funding: Utah’s Species Protection Account approved $5.1 million for 33 wildlife projects. Utah Lake Nature Moment: A couple reported catching a rare albino catfish in Utah Lake, with wildlife officials calling it an uncommon sight. Utah Agriculture Research: USU researchers are testing dwarf vegetable crops to make urban growing more space- and light-efficient.

Data Centers vs. Water & Power: Kevin O’Leary’s Stratos mega–data center in Box Elder County is getting cut down after backlash from Utah voters and lawmakers—O’Leary agreed to shrink the footprint from 40,000 acres to about 20,000 and promised bird habitat protections and water-saving steps. Energy Policy: President Trump announced nearly $700 million to prop up coal-fired power plants and exports, using Cold War-era defense authority—an approach that could affect Mountain West states’ power and air quality. Geothermal Push: Utah and neighboring states formed the Mountain West Geothermal Consortium to speed up geothermal development for “always-on” clean power, aiming to streamline permitting and financing across the region. Wildlife & Public Lands: Environmental groups sued to challenge federal predator-control tactics in wilderness areas across Utah and the broader Mountain West, arguing the Wilderness Act doesn’t allow killing predators to protect livestock. Weather & Climate Signals: Forecasters issued strong geomagnetic storm alerts, with northern lights possible across Utah and much of the West, while drought and water stress remain a looming backdrop for the region’s ecosystems.

Utah Data Center Fight: Kevin O’Leary’s Stratos AI data center in Box Elder County is being scaled back after pressure from Utah Senate President Stuart Adams, with O’Leary agreeing to remove 19,430 acres and leaving much of the rest as open space, plus new commitments tied to Great Salt Lake water protection and environmental reviews. Local Land & Wildlife: A federal Forest Service conservation easement will permanently protect 1,344 acres near Nine Mile Canyon, aiming to safeguard wildlife habitat, water resources, and cultural values. Heat Preparedness: New Census Bureau data shows big gaps in air conditioning access at the neighborhood level, with some areas far less protected during extreme heat. Wildlife Crossings: California’s first wildlife crossing is nearing completion, and mule deer are already using it—an approach Utah communities have watched for collision and biodiversity benefits. Public Health: Across the U.S., weakened state and local public health powers post-COVID are raising outbreak risks. Climate Disaster Anxiety: A new report argues summer climate disasters are worsening due to fossil-fuel industry actions, not just “natural” swings.

Data Centers vs. Water in Utah and Beyond: Utah’s pushback is spreading: Iron County paused data center applications for six months, Denver is weighing a one-year moratorium, and Wyoming’s new “Wyoming Way” framework would allow growth with guardrails—while Utah leaders debate downsizing Kevin O’Leary’s massive Stratos Project near the Great Salt Lake. Wildlife Funding: Utah’s Species Protection Account approved $5.1 million for 33 wildlife recovery projects in 2026–27, aiming to prevent future Endangered Species Act listings. Drought and Fishing: With low water and warmer conditions stressing fish, Utah DWR is urging anglers to plan ahead for drought-affected lakes and reservoirs. Wildfire Risk: Record-warm, dry conditions are driving elevated wildfire danger statewide, with officials warning communities to prepare for a “bad wildfire year.” Great Salt Lake Funding: A House appropriations bill cleared committee action to set aside $10 million for a Great Salt Lake Watershed Recovery Program—positioning Utah to pursue larger federal support. AI in Schools: Utah schools are set to roll out Google’s Gemini for Education statewide next year, with a focus on data privacy and responsible use.

Data Center Fight in Utah: Utah Senate President J. Stuart Adams is pressing Kevin O’Leary’s Stratos Project to cut its footprint by 75% (from 40,000 acres to about 10,000), while demanding stronger water, conservation, environmental review, heat-reduction, and transparency commitments—O’Leary’s team says the letter “caught us off guard.” Energy & Air Quality: A new report warns AI and data centers could drive major electricity use and environmental harm, with electricity demand and water impacts rising alongside carbon and e-waste concerns. Wildfire Readiness: Experts say federal public-lands staffing cuts have slowed prescribed burning and thinning, raising alarms for the coming fire season. Conservation in Nine Mile Canyon: The USDA Forest Service is funding a $750,000 Nine Mile Canyon Conservation Project to secure a conservation easement protecting wildlife habitat, forest resources, and downstream water. Wildlife & Outdoor Access: Utah’s antlerless elk and deer hunt applications open June 9, with targeted hunts aimed at managing herds and reducing localized conflicts. Public Health & Chemicals: PFAS concerns persist in ski wax despite bans, and health risks haven’t disappeared.

Utah Wildlife Safety: The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is warning that drought is pushing moose and other big game into neighborhoods, urging hikers and dog owners to keep distance and stay alert. Great Salt Lake & Water Use: A new Utah State University study finds farmers in the Great Salt Lake Basin feel blamed for the lake’s decline, saying population growth and urban water demand are the bigger drivers of pressure on water and agriculture. Heat Preparedness: The Red Cross of Utah is reminding residents to plan for extreme heat with hydration, breaks, and knowing heat illness warning signs. AI Data Centers & Activism: Erin Brockovich is launching a reporting site to map AI data centers nationwide and collect community concerns about environmental impacts and developer transparency. Fire Risk: The U.S. Forest Service chief warned lawmakers that wildfire risk is elevated this year, even as the agency says it’s entering the season with strong preparedness. Moose in Utah: DWR also shared practical tips for keeping deer out of yards during drought, including fencing and motion-activated sprinklers. Earth Science: University of Utah researchers confirmed a rare deep earthquake beneath northern Utah that baffled scientists decades ago.

Utah Wildfire Preparedness: Utah’s closed fire season has started statewide, with above-normal fire risk and strict permit rules for open burning—officials urge residents to apply, notify dispatch, monitor conditions, and never leave fires unattended. Bear Safety in Park City: A young black bear was tranquilized after climbing a tree in a Park City neighborhood, then relocated away from homes and busy roads as development pushes wildlife closer to people. Data Center Water & Heat Fight: Utah Senate President Stuart Adams demanded Kevin O’Leary shrink his proposed Box Elder County AI data center footprint by 75% (to about 10,000 acres) and add stronger environmental protections, including water-saving tech and Great Salt Lake water commitments. Outdoor Recreation Funding: The state awarded over $19M for 81 outdoor recreation projects, including Wasatch Back trail and visitors-center work. Heat-Illness Reminder: The Red Cross of Utah urged residents to prepare for extreme summer heat with cool-down plans, water, breaks, and knowing warning signs.

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.