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Articles by Leah Bowers
Utah mines for good ethics — but at what local cost?
Western society’s high-tech, data-driven lifestyle is dependent on critical minerals — that’s no question. The real question is where to mine them, and how to go about it. Stephanie Mills, a senior geologist at the Utah Geological Survey, argues outsourcing extraction to developing nations with weak oversight only worsens the already resource-intense process.
Sen. Curtis says all ideas are on the table to save the Great Salt Lake — including Trump’s budget Original
Sen. John Curtis said all ideas should be on the table when it comes to saving the Great Salt Lake during the Sutherland Institute’s 2026 Congressional Series at the Hinkley Institute of Politics on Monday. The problem doesn’t come down to one issue — not just data centers, climate change or bad policy — according to Curtis. So the answer won’t come from fixing one area either. “We’re all part of this together, right?” he said.
Arizona joins Colorado River fight in federal court
The Arizona Department of Water Resources announced Friday the state filed a motion to intervene in the Nevada lawsuit challenging the recent federal decision governing water allocation from the Colorado River. Under the new federal plan, Arizona would absorb a 760,000 acre-feet cut per year, representing roughly 27% of its full Colorado River allocation.
Arizona joins Colorado River fight in federal court
The Arizona Department of Water Resources announced Friday the state filed a motion to intervene in the Nevada lawsuit challenging the recent federal decision governing water allocation from the Colorado River. Under the new federal plan, Arizona would absorb a 760,000 acre-feet cut per year, representing roughly 27% of its full Colorado River allocation.
Fervo’s 4-gigawatt geothermal plant in Utah will power everyone but Utahns — for now
Fervo Energy signed a 396-megawatt power purchase agreement with Google to develop Cape Station, a next-generation enhanced geothermal plant in southwestern Utah. Fervo predicts Cape Station can deliver 4.3 gigawatts at peak, with roughly 3.4 gigawatts still unclaimed after existing Google and California contracts are fulfilled. Utah is third in the nation in installed geothermal capacity and is becoming a proving ground for enhanced geothermal systems.
Utah’s 2nd District candidates both want data center transparency after Stratos — but differ on MIDA Original
At a debate Tuesday for Utah’s newly-structured 2nd Congressional District, held at Utah State University in Logan, Utah, the candidates dove straight into the issues constituents have been most vocal about: data centers, energy consumption, water policy, and inflation-driven affordability. The district is home to the highly controversial Stratos Project — a massive AI data center campus proposed in Box Elder County. Rep.
Utahns speak their minds on AI policy: 'Learn from experts, not from lobbyists'
SALT LAKE CITY — Gathered at the Utah Solutions Forum — a citizens' assembly aiming to bridge the gap between policymakers and residents — 40 Utahns shared their thoughts, specifically on AI policy.
How rural Utah became the front line of America’s AI data center backlash Original
Mona's Planning and Zoning Commission granted a conditional use permit for a 3-million-square-foot data center and sidestepped the requirement to notify nearby landowners. USU research shows 68% of Utahns oppose data centers within 3 miles of their homes, driven primarily by water consumption concerns and concerns over being excluded from the decision-making process.
Cottonwood Fire and floods trigger disaster funds from Trump administration
President Donald Trump signed a major disaster declaration for Beaver and Piute counties following the Cottonwood Fire, which grew to nearly 100,000 acres and destroyed over 150 structures during Utah's worst wildfire season since 2007. Intense August rains combined with burn scars to produce floods that affected over 200 homes, closed Interstate 15, and caused at least $47 million in damages, with the state having already spent over $100 million fighting fires by July 31.
Utah still runs on coal. The rest of the Southwest moved on
The Trump administration's emission regulation rollbacks could either sustain Utah's coal industry or accelerate the state's shift to natural gas, solar and other sources. Utah has cut coal from 94% to 48% of its energy mix since 2000 but remains the only Southwestern state still relying on coal as a primary power source — while maintaining rates around 10 cents per kilowatt-hour compared to California's 28 cents.
Trump plans to save truckers and farmers $100 per diesel refill — but the jury is still out for Utah
President Donald Trump signed an executive order Monday titled “Emergency Tax Relief on Diesel Fuel” — aiming to save farmers and truckers $100 per refill, the order claims. The question is whether it is too little, too late — and whether Utah will get on board. Diesel fuel hit its highest national average ever last month: $6.53 per gallon, according to AAA. The Joint Economic Committee Minority estimates farmers across the U.S. paid an extra $1.4 billion this year to plant their crops.
Great Salt Lake dust: A problem Utah can’t afford to fix or ignore Original
University of Utah researchers have identified 70 square miles of “active dust hotspots” on exposed Great Salt Lake lakebed. Utah’s Director of Air Quality says the lake dust hasn’t exceeded EPA standards and that ground-level ozone and local dust sources like construction sites are more pressing public health concerns today. All three panelists agreed that refilling the lake is the cheapest solution, warning that engineering alternatives could cost hundreds of millions to billions of dollars.
Utahns might see their electricity bills drop — and coal might be to thank
SALT LAKE CITY — As the West grows more concerned about rising electricity rates and a strained power grid, Utah leaders hold an opposing, optimistic view. "We're consistently in the top five most affordable rates in the country," Utah Office of Energy Development Director Emy Lesofski said in a Sept. 16 interim committee meeting.
Can Colorado make oil companies pay for climate damage? The Supreme Court will soon decide
SALT LAKE CITY — The Supreme Court will soon hear arguments on whether state courts can push the price of climate change onto energy companies — which will influence environmental lawsuits across the country. In 2018, Boulder County, Colorado, sued Suncor Energy and Exxon Mobil. Suncor — one of the world's largest independent energy companies — has its U.S. headquarters in Denver. The county's website Suncor supplies about 35% of Colorado's gasoline and diesel fuel demand.
Can Colorado make oil companies pay for climate damage? The Supreme Court will soon decide Original
In 2018, Boulder County, Colorado, sued Suncor Energy and Exxon Mobil, blaming the companies for contributing to the state’s climate crisis — alleging they concealed what they knew about fossil fuels’ environmental harm for more than 50 years.
Utahns might see their electricity bills drop — and coal might be to thank
Rocky Mountain Power has proposed a $375 million decrease in variable energy charges, driven by lower natural gas prices, cheaper wholesale market purchases and improved domestic coal supplies. The filing remains under active review by the Division of Public Utilities until Nov. 5. Utah's energy mix has transformed dramatically over 25 years — from 94% coal in 2000 to roughly 48% coal today — yet total consumption is steadily rising.
Utahns speak their minds on AI policy: ‘Learn from experts, not from lobbyists’
Gathered at the Utah Solutions Forum — a citizens’ assembly aiming to bridge the gap between policymakers and residents — 40 Utahns shared their thoughts, specifically on AI policy.
New poll: Americans and Utahns willing to forego jobs, national security amid opposition to data centers Original
A majority of Utahns and Americans say it isn’t worth building data centers near residential areas even if competition against China or jobs are at stake. Experts say the U.S. is racing to “gobble up space” for data centers to maintain its AI lead over China, but Utahns — and Americans broadly — aren’t persuaded that this urgency justifies building near their communities.
Great Salt Lake commissioner lays out 5 ways to use Trump’s proposed $1B — if Congress approves it
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Great Salt Lake commissioner lays out 5 ways to use Trump’s proposed $1B — if Congress approves it Original
The full $1 billion isn't guaranteed. Only $10 million has been secured so far, and officials say the rest will likely come over several years — if Congress approves it. Great Salt Lake Commissioner Hannah Freeze laid out five core focuses of Utah leaders: Water infrastructure projects, agricultural optimization, municipal conservation, habitat and wildlife and dust management.
Utah politicians differ on future of power plants after Trump administration repeals emission rules
SALT LAKE CITY — The Trump administration is scrapping Biden-era emissions rules for power plants, saying the rollback will save the industry $310 billion. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin finalized the repeal Sept. 14 — then pushed for more. He proposed cutting every remaining greenhouse gas standard, projecting an additional $370 billion in savings. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin speaks at a short media gathering after he, Sen.
20 states and DC sue Trump over change to endangered species protections
SALT LAKE CITY — The Trump administration redefined what it means to "harm" endangered species and their habitats back in July — leading to a challenge from Democratic attorneys general across the country. Twenty states and Washington, D.C., sued the administration over the change. The original definition — found in the 1973 Endangered Species Act, or ESA — prohibited "habitat modification or degradation," stating it could harm or kill endangered animals.
20 states and D.C. sue Trump over change to endangered species protections Original
The Trump administration redefined what it means to “harm” endangered species and their habitats back in July — leading to a challenge from Democratic attorneys general across the country. Twenty states and Washington, D.C., sued the administration over the change. For more than 50 years, the Endangered Species Act has been clear in its intent to halt and reverse the trend toward species extinction, whatever the cost.
Trump administration repeals power plant emission rules. Utah politicians differ on what happens next Original
The Trump administration is scrapping Biden-era emissions rules for power plants, saying the rollback will save the industry $310 billion. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin finalized the repeal Sept. 14 — then pushed for more. He proposed cutting every remaining greenhouse gas standard, projecting an additional $370 billion in savings. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin speaks at a short media gathering after he and Sen.
‘I’m dealing with survivor’s guilt’: Grand Canyon flash flood survivors share their stories Original
Mike Cortes, a Colorado resident, has been to the Grand Canyon before, but he’s never left with survivor’s guilt — until recently. He and his brother hiked the Grand Canyon from rim to rim — a trip he had been planning for a year. After completing his hike around noon, Cortes took a selfie overlooking the canyon — featuring storm clouds looming behind him. He posted the picture, tagging the Grand Canyon, before heading to his hotel room to sleep.
Trump reduced Bears Ears by 91%. What does the law really say?
SALT LAKE CITY — Conservation, archaeology and outdoor recreation groups — including Patagonia — are attempting to stop the shrinking of one of Utah's largest national monuments. And they're doing it by suing President Donald Trump. On Sept. 2, the groups filed to reactivate a 2017 lawsuit over the shrinking of Bears Ears National Monument after Trump signed Proclamation 11043 earlier this summer, which cut 91% of the 1.3 million acres.
Trump reduced Bears Ears by 91%. What does the law really say?
President Donald Trump signed a proclamation reducing Bears Ears National Monument by 91%, from 1.3 million acres to roughly 121,000 acres. Conservation groups, including Patagonia, have reactivated a 2017 lawsuit challenging the reduction. Both sides cite the 1906 Antiquities Act — but disagree on whether it gives a president power to shrink monuments. Utah officials argue massive monuments lack adequate funding and management resources.
Can you make water from natural gas? We’re about to find out Original
Data centers have long been the subject of criticism, especially from environmentalists and those worried about water consumption. But Creekstone Energy — an AI infrastructure developer — is trying to change that. On Wednesday, the company announced a patent-pending technology that turns natural gas into water. The process — named Gigawater — is the centerpiece of Creekstone’s Project Oasis initiative at the Delta Gigasite in Millard County in central Utah, which is currently under construction.
The size of 20 Costcos: Can Utah residents drive a data center out of their backyard? Original
The small, quiet town of Mona, Utah, is known for being antidevelopment — or at least it was, until a massive data center was approved for the county. The data center — the size of 20 Costcos — was zoned two minutes outside the town on county land. No one in Mona formally opposed it. On April 15, the county held a public hearing where citizens could raise concerns about the pending data center permit.
Utah data centers promise jobs and revenue, but opponents say benefits disappear
SALT LAKE CITY — Brenna Williams, a resident of Box Elder County, is one of many advocates in the Box Elder Accountability Referendum, or BEAR, who challenge the proposed Stratos data center which will be built in their backyard.
Are foreign actors spying on U.S. citizens through the power grid? Trump and Rocky Mountain Power think so
President Trump’s national emergency bans foreign-made power grid equipment over cybersecurity fears, but the White House still hasn’t said which countries are actually targeted. Whether Utahns’ rates go up depends entirely on how narrowly the federal government defines “risky” equipment — if the restrictions stay focused on inverters, Utah officials expect no rate impact, but if transformers get swept in too, Utahns could see rate increases.
Why did a government agency turn a Utah creek red?
Walking along the banks of Mill Creek, a stream running out of Millcreek Canyon, one won’t see the typical clear water flowing downstream this week. On Sept. 1 and 2, the water appeared a deep blood red. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources — in conjunction with the U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, and Trout Unlimited — are conducting a treatment on a portion of the creek in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest.
Utah data centers promise jobs and revenue, but opponents say benefits disappear Original
A USC researcher found utilities like Rocky Mountain Power absorb data center demand costs without passing them onto the consumer, but that may not last. University of Utah research shows data centers initially lower local property tax rates, but equipment depreciation leads to volatility. State officials project 106 full-time jobs averaging $160,000 for one Millard County project.
450 additional elk permits added as Utah’s intense drought persists Original
The Utah Wildlife Board unanimously approved 450 additional elk hunting permits in a meeting Aug. 20 — and it’s not just for sport. It’s in response to the state’s drought.
Fire, flood, drought. Inside Utah's water crisis loop following devastating rains
SALT LAKE CITY — This summer, Utah burned as hundreds of wildfires scorched the state. Now, it's drowning. Severe storms, starting on Aug. 29, tore through southern Utah, turning neighborhoods and towns into arenas of crisis, but experts say the intense flooding won't fix the intense drought. Did summer wildfires worsen current floods? This summer's wildfire season is the worst on record — comprising 843 individual fires burning more than a million acres of land.
Fire, flood, drought. Inside Utah’s water crisis loop following devastating rains Original
This summer, Utah burned as hundreds of wildfires scorched the state. Now, it’s drowning. Severe storms, starting on Aug. 29, tore through southern Utah, turning neighborhoods and towns into arenas of crisis, but experts say the intense flooding won’t fix the intense drought. Did summer wildfires worsen current floods? This summer’s wildfire season is the worst on record — comprising 843 individual fires burning more than a million acres of land.
Heavy rains, flash floods across southern Utah and the Grand Canyon leave 2 dead and others missing
Two people are dead and as many as 20 hikers remain missing after heavy rains and flash floods ripped through the Grand Canyon on Saturday — the deadliest incident in the park in nearly 70 years. Severe storms continue to batter southern Utah and northern Arizona, turning neighborhoods and towns into arenas of crisis, including flipping over two dozen railroad cars in Millard County. Flash flooding in and around Zion National Park on Monday, according to the National Weather Service.
Number of people missing jumps to 2,000, new worries arise in days after Nepal-Tibet floods
Since Thursday, the announced death toll in Nepal has risen from 389 to 579 following the deadly flash floods in Nepal and China earlier this week. The BBC reported Friday morning that the number of people missing in Nepal has risen to 1,924, with 15,000 security personnel deployed in search and rescue operations. That figure includes 575 foreign nationals — a dramatic rise from earlier estimates.
Brigham City takes one step further to advance Trump’s ‘energy independence’ agenda — by building nuclear facility Original
A new nuclear training and research campus may be coming to Brigham City — advancing the U.S. Department of Energy’s nuclear initiative. Hi Tech Solutions, a Washington-based nuclear power company, signed a memorandum of understanding with Brigham City, Utah. The two entities agreed to jointly plan the Center for Energy Research and Technology (CERT) campus just beside Utah State University’s Brigham City campus.
Over 1,000 missing following Nepalese floods — scientists worry more floods are to come
In Nepal’s Rasuwa district, rescuers are currently looking for over 1,000 missing people following massive flash floods that destroyed homes, swamped villages, and crossed bridges between Nepal and China on Tuesday. At least 359 people have been confirmed dead as of Thursday, the BBC News reported. Hikers and tourists come from around the world to visit Nepal’s stunning mountain ranges — including Mount Everest. Some of the people reported missing included American tourists, according to reports.
Parents kept complaining about their children’s addictions to social media. Meta will pay $12.2 billion
Follow Parents kept complaining about their children’s addictions to social media. Meta will pay $12.2 billion Wed, August 26, 2026 at 10:11 AM EDT People talk near a Meta sign outside of the company's headquarters in Menlo Park, Calif., Tuesday, March 7, 2023. | Jeff Chiu Utah announced Wednesday that the state has secured part of a $12.2 billion in a settlement with Meta over child safety practices.
Parents kept complaining about their children’s addictions to social media. Now Meta will pay up to $17 billion
Utah announced Wednesday that the state has secured part of a $12.2 billion in a settlement with Meta over child safety practices. This marks the most substantive action any government has taken against the addictive algorithms targeted at young people. Meta — the company that owns Facebook and Instagram — reached a landmark settlement with 47 states, the District of Colombia and U.S. territories, agreeing to pay up to $17.1 billion. “Utah is expected to receive $212 million over the next 10 years.
Nevada files federal lawsuit as battle over Colorado River heats up Original
Nevada filed a federal lawsuit on Monday contesting the Department of the Interior’s recent Record of Decision on future Colorado River water cuts.
Arizona’s $870M school choice program survives union backlash — what it means for Utah Original
Earlier this year, Arizona teachers unions proposed ballot measure — Proposition 212 — that would create administrative guardrails and restrict scholarship eligibility for high-income families. After the Arizona Supreme Court found faulty signatures on their petition, the unions lacked enough signatures for the ballot measure.
New poll: Inside the 2026 wildfire season and how Utahns feel about it Original
This year’s wildfire season in Utah — comprising 843 individual fires collectively burning more than half a million acres of land — are shaping up to be the state’s worst on record. Two firefighter pilots were killed as the state faces soaring temperatures and longstanding droughts, while numerous homes and vacation properties were consumed in the blazes.
DOE and EPA leaders visited Utah — here’s what they said about the state’s energy
Since President Donald Trump took office nearly two years ago, the energy sector has flipped the previous administration’s agenda on its head. “We stopped the war on coal,” said Deputy Administrator David Fotouhi with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. “It was a change in how EPA as a regulatory agency views domestic energy production, domestic coal production and baseload power,” he said at this year’s Coal Innovation Market Strategies Conference in Park City on Thursday.
Trump’s DOE is betting big on Utah’s energy future Original
The Trump administration has shifted DOE’s focus from decarbonization to expanding reliable electricity generation and grid capacity. DOE officials see Utah’s coal, geothermal, nuclear and other energy resources as key opportunities to increase power supply and lower electricity costs. Coccodrilli predicts geothermal could become a major energy source for Utah, including potentially powering data centers by 2030. Things have changed at the Department of Energy since the Biden administration.
Utah considers changes to laws governing data centers Original
Jake Garfield, deputy director for the Utah Office of Energy Development, told a legislative interim committee that Utah is a “national leader” in smart data center policy. New technologies pioneered in Utah allow for less water consumption — or no water consumption at all — to cool data centers, including the Novva Data Center and Valar Atomics’ waterless reactor. Though this technology exists, Utah representatives question why there is no policy enforcing the use of less consumptive systems.
The Department of Interior just opened 90 million acres to hunting and fishing. Here’s what it means for Utah. Original
The Department of Interior announced Aug. 13 it plans to add 1,500 hunting and fishing opportunities across over 90 million acres — including Utah land. The department said hunting does not pose a threat to the wildlife populations, and it may even be necessary for staff to reasonably manage the area and to boost local economies.
Sen. Curtis proposes bill to cut U.S. dependance on foreign supply of critical minerals Original
The fight between the U.S. and China over critical minerals continues as two Republican U.S. senators — Utah Sen. John Curtis and Montana Sen. Steve Daines — introduced the Critical Mineral and Extraction Tax Parity Act last week. “Critical minerals” show up everywhere in modern society — from lithium batteries in smartphones to phosphate in fertilizer critical for food production. There is no corner of the economy that doesn’t depend on at least a subset from the list of critical minerals.
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