The Data Center Gold Rush and the Communities Standing in the Way

Published May 20, 2026 at 11:34 AM MDT

There are 48 data centers currently in operation across Utah. Few of them received public attention as they went through the public planning process. But the data centers currently in development are being put under the public’s microscope. Deseret News reporter Art Raymond and New York Times reporter Karen Weise join us to help understand why that is.

Communities across the country are pushing back against these massive projects. Over the last year, the number of local bans against data centers has grown nearly ten fold. And yet, three projects currently in the works in Utah face stiff opposition from local residents. At the same time, the demand for AI infrastructure is only accelerating. So, as resistance grows, is there any real sign the hew and cry is slowing down the data center build out?

GUESTS

Art Raymond | Business reporter, Deseret News
Karen Weise | Technology correspondent, New York Times

Airdate: May 21 and 23, 2026