Latest news with #UtahInlandPortAuthority
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Utah pursuing AI data centers is pure stupidity
Construction proceeds at a data center in Eagle Mountain, Utah, in 2021. Across the country, some state lawmakers are concerned that the growing data center industry is creating a surge in demand for new electricity and grid infrastructure. () Since the legislature established the Utah Inland Port Authority (UIPA) in 2018, UIPA has demonstrated an ability to spend millions of tax payer money on one bad idea after another. The latest is to bring artificial intelligence (AI) data centers to their Wasatch Front project areas. UIPA is being caught up in a 21st century gold rush, but like the one in 1848, it will turn out to be mostly fool's gold. Nationwide, state and local officials are fast tracking data center permits in their communities, foolishly giving them enormous tax breaks. Most of the biggest data centers are being built by the mega-billionaire tech bros like Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos and Mark Zuckerberg, the very same people who are already hoarding unprecedented wealth and power. Much of the impetus for these data centers has degenerated into a race between these mega-billionaires to see who ultimately dominates the holy grail of computing — 'artificial general intelligence' (AGI), essentially human brain level sophisticated computation. Data center construction has doubled just since 2022, and the only result is further concentration of wealth and power at the top of big tech. The tech bros race to rule AGI is the crown jewel in their pathologic ethos of 'move fast and break things.' Numerous experts are warning about the existential danger of AGI. It will render many jobs obsolete, it represents a grave national security threat, and it blurs the lines between truth and fiction. This next level AI creates new content by analyzing and mimicking patterns from vast amounts of existing data. Its uses are far beyond helping students to cheat on writing papers. It's being used to spread climate misinformation, exacerbate housing discrimination of Black communities, create increasingly sophisticated phishing scams, and assisting state and corporate surveillance, monitoring workers' every move. AI is stymieing worker critical thinking and not delivering productivity gains. A State Department report concluded AI could pose an 'extinction-level' threat, comparing it to the threat of nuclear weapons if not regulated. AI workers are concerned about the irresponsibility, and perverse motives of these tech companies' executives. Our environment is another one of the things they are 'breaking.' Data centers already rank in the top 10 water-consuming industries. Data centers can consume up to 5 million gallons of potable water a day, 25 times the 200,000 gallon commercial limit set by Salt Lake City. Good luck saving Great Salt Lake if we surround it with UIPA-subsidized data centers. Cryptocurrency serves no useful purpose and requires massive AI computations. Each Bitcoin transaction generates the equivalent carbon footprint of one million VISA transactions. Bitcoin is already one of the leading global industrial polluters. The quality of the algorithms is dependent on the size of the computing systems, and AGI can require 10 to 100 times more computing power than say GPT-4, with an exponential increase in energy demand. One complex can require 100 MW of electricity, the entire output of a small coal-fired power plant. Energy demand from AI data centers is forecasted to more than quadruple by 2030, strain on local electrical grids will be substantial. 'Hyperscale' data centers can require dozens of highly polluting diesel generators for back-up power. AGI electricity demand is undermining decarbonization strategies worldwide, driving an increase in carbon emissions at the worst possible time for climate mitigation. Gov. Spencer Cox cited electricity demands of AI as contributing to Utah's 'energy crisis' justifying his 'Operation Gigawatt,' a promotion of his 'all of the above' strategy, including more polluting, climate killing fossil fuels and risky nuclear power. Data centers are noise pollution centers. They emit constant humming and buzzing that can exceed 85 decibels, which is bothersome and harmful to neighbors. Noise pollution is the second most hazardous environmental pollutant after air pollution, causing many of the same adverse health outcomes. Musk's xAI is being used primarily for his chatbot, Grok, which allows creation of unfiltered deepfake images, like Mickey Mouse wearing a Nazi uniform, and ever more pornography. Musk calls it 'the most fun AI in the world.' The environmental price tag of all that 'fun' is enormous. For example, Musk's AI supercomputer center in Memphis, Tennessee, uses 35 methane driven gas turbines, none have pollution controls required by EPA. It is already one of the largest emitters of toxic nitrogen oxides in a highly polluted county, far more than an oil refinery. Imagine if Utah allowed UIPA to bring several of these to Salt Lake, Tooele, and Weber Counties, each emitting far more pollution than another oil refinery. In many ways the explosion of artificial intelligence is already harming society and threatening our future. We should rename it 'artificial stupidity.' Utah should be smarter than to allow UIPA to drag us into competing for tax payer subsidized big tech data centers, leaving the rest of us as collateral damage.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
How has Salt Lake City's east-west divide affected you? The city wants your feedback
SALT LAKE CITY — Transportation challenges between the east and west sides of Salt Lake City have existed for well over a century, and now transportation planners are asking for community feedback as they seek solutions. Utah's capital city launched a new online survey on Monday, which asks residents why they make east-west trips, how frequently they make those trips and what experiences they have in making those trips, among other things. It also asks about what features residents want to see out of the West-East Connections Study, which the city launched in February. An open house is also planned for Wednesday evening as the city begins work on the plan. 'The solutions we're looking for already exist — in the minds and experiences of those most affected by the divide. This open house will help us center their voices and let them guide the way toward a more connected city,' said Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall in a statement. The study, which is expected to take two years to complete, seeks to find ways for residents to better cross I-15 and the railroad corridor that essentially separates the two sides. It's a transportation challenge that dates back to the 1870s, when the railroad corridor was created to link the city with the transcontinental railroad. Since then, areas west of the lines have generally been 'less desirable and often used as a dumping ground for waste,' city officials point out. The divide worsened in the 1950s, when I-15 was constructed west of the railroad line, limiting the number of routes that connect the east and west sides. 'The east-west divide is more than just a mobility challenge. It's really feeling like the west side is underinvested in,' said Joe Taylor, a Salt Lake City transportation planner, shortly after the study launched. 'That's what we're trying to get at with the folks who live it every day.' The city has explored some small ways to improve connections. For example, the City Council funded a Trainfo pilot program. The system, which helps alert drivers about delays tied to blocked railroad crossings, was first installed at the 900 West and South Temple crossings last year. The city also received funding from the Utah Inland Port Authority earlier this year that will help to add five additional crossings to the network. However, the study is expected to identify long-term solutions when it's completed next year. Wednesday's open house will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Edison Elementary School, 430 S. Cheyenne Street. Dinner will be provided for up to 250 people. The survey will remain available until early June, but future public feedback points are expected as the study is compiled. 'This study is a step in the right direction,' said Salt Lake City Council Vice Chairman Alejandro Puy. 'We need bold, community-informed solutions; this study will help us find them.'
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Fueling the future: Utah's rise as a global trade and manufacturing hub
In a world defined by economic uncertainty, supply chain disruption and rising demand for advanced manufacturing, Utah is not standing still — we are stepping up. For years, leaders have talked about reshoring jobs and rebuilding domestic production. In Utah, we didn't just talk. We got to work. While others were drafting plans, Utah was laying track, building infrastructure and forging partnerships that are now transforming our economy. Over the past two years, the Utah Inland Port Authority (UIPA) has launched 12 project areas across the state — each one a catalyst for growth, innovation and opportunity. These are more than freight hubs. They are engines of possibility, designed to power next-generation manufacturing, connect rural and urban communities to global markets, and deliver good jobs that support communities. In Salt Lake City, Stadler Rail is proving what's possible. Its expansion is more than a facility — it's a commitment to Utah's workforce, a bet on long-term innovation and a blueprint for how public-private partnerships can reshape entire industries. In Iron County, BZI's RailSync facility is already moving millions of pounds of steel and lumber through the state's first rural inland port. But the real story is what comes next: a 2,500-job innovation park that's redefining what economic growth can look like in rural Utah. In Box Elder County, Lakeshore Learning Materials is building a massive 1.2 million square foot distribution center and bringing 500+ jobs with it. Why did they choose Utah? Because we offer what the future demands — connectivity, talent and momentum. In Beaver County, Unitech Manufacturing is expanding operations in UIPA's Mineral Mountains Project Area — the first of what will be many rural investments that blend infrastructure, innovation and local leadership. Across the state, from energy in the Northwest Quadrant to agriculture hubs in Central Utah, a powerful message is ringing out: Utah is not just participating in the global economy — we are shaping it. We are building deliberately. We are acting boldly. We are betting on ourselves — and it's paying off. Yes, the world is unpredictable. Trade policies shift. Markets fluctuate. But Utah thrives in uncertainty because we think long-term, act with purpose and lead with confidence. This moment isn't just about seizing opportunity — it's about creating it. It's about restoring American manufacturing strength. It's about preparing our people for the future. It's about making sure every Utah family, in every corner of the state, has a shot at prosperity. We don't wait for opportunity to knock. We build the door. And it's wide open. Utah is ready. Utah is rising. And for companies looking to expand, invest and lead — come build the future with us.
Axios
31-03-2025
- Automotive
- Axios
Salt Lake residents to get the ETA on blocked railroad crossings
More Salt Lakers will soon be able to find out how long they'll be stuck at railroad crossings. Why it matters: Blocked railroad crossings, sometimes lasting up to an hour, are a major disruptor for commuters and one of west siders' biggest complaints. The latest: The Utah Inland Port Authority is donating $150,000 to Salt Lake City for sensors that give drivers real-time information about delays at railroad crossings. The technology could also help drivers, including first responders, find alternative routes. The initial investment will help expand Traininfo, a train detection system, to five major crossings on: 300 North, 200 South, 800 South, 900 South and 1700 South. It's currently installed at 900 West. The big picture: The sensors are part of a larger effort to improve east-west connectivity in Salt Lake.
Yahoo
13-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Could Utah's inland ports help provide low-income housing? What a new bill would do
Help for low-income Utahns seeking to become homeowners near Utah Inland Port Authority project areas could be coming under a bill advanced by state lawmakers Wednesday. State law already permits the use of up to 10% of the general differential revenue collected through inland port developments to be used to pay for affordable housing in or near one of the dozen project areas throughout Utah, including 16,000 acres in the northwest quadrant of Salt Lake County. But SB250, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Kirk Cullimore, R-Draper, gets more specific, calling for the revenue to be used to 'assist low-income individuals and families who would qualify for income targeted housing to achieve homeownership, or retain homeownership, within a 15-mile radius of the project area.' Cullimore told the Deseret News the new language 'expands this to more home ownership,' as opposed to helping Utahns get into apartments or other rental properties. He said it's part of the Utah Legislature's efforts this session to add more 'little tools, here and there' to address the state's housing needs. 'We need all types of products in the housing market. But we've actually seen a pretty big proliferation of rental housing,' the majority leader said. 'Our rents are still high, but they've actually stabilized. But home ownership has not stabilized. So I think the focus will be on more, what incentives can we do for attainable type home ownership housing.' His bill passed unanimously out of the Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee and now heads to the full Senate. The committee's chairman, Sen. Dan McCay, R-Riverton, asked Cullimore about limiting the housing that could be funded to within a 15-mile radius of an inland port project area. 'For the inland port, it's all permissive,' Cullimore answered, adding that 'because oftentimes an inland port area that might be subject to tax increment financing may or may not be appropriate for housing, it just gave them a little bit more parameters to do housing should they choose to do it.' He said the option to use the revenues for housing could be transferred to a local housing authority or other nonprofit. McCay also wanted to know if the inland port authority could zone property to develop low-income housing. When he was told that's not the case, McCay said, 'that's good to know. I just wasn't sure how we were expanding the scope of the inland port.' Utah Inland Port Authority Executive Director Ben Hart told the Deseret News that housing 'is in the conversation in every project area.' Hart said the inland port authority did not seek the change in the law. Nor has it taken a position on the bill, although Hart noted he doesn't 'see any red flags. If it was compulsory and we were being forced to do something, we would probably take a little stronger stand one way or the other.' Some entities that share in the inland port project revenues are already contributing funds to local housing authorities, he said. As for housing fits into the inland port authority's mission, Hart said that's left 'up to the collaborative processes for cities to work through. Obviously, we're primarily industrially oriented, so trying to fit and co-locate housing nearby can be a little bit difficult. But several of our project areas are working to include housing.' The inland port authority 'may not necessarily provide financial support for those efforts but it's certainly something that we are pro, and for. Because housing and workforce go together. Workforce is the lifeblood of the economy and so having well-planned communities really makes sense,' he said, expressing interest in supporting 'economic areas of strength wherever we can. And that definitely includes housing.' Still, how money is used in the project areas is often 'predetermined. So it's hard for us to go back and say we're going to pry 10% loose from other projects,' Hart said. 'We're already very focused on industrial properties. We already are focused on logistics projects.'
