Residents press county on proposed data center's water, air and oversight as planning commission readies conditions

A lengthy public comment period at the Iron County Commission’s April meeting focused on a proposed large data center on private land near Cedar City, with residents urging stricter oversight of water use, air emissions and wildlife protections and asking for clearer commitments on jobs and taxes.

Many speakers said they were skeptical of industry assurances. "I do challenge the idea that natural gas is clean," said Marianne Mann, a retired educator who called for the county to weigh health impacts for children and older residents. Riley Cooper, a Cedar City resident, said he was worried the county would be "seduced" by promised jobs and urged commissioners to keep the community’s long-term future in mind. Nicole Phillips asked the county to require ongoing, independent monitoring of air, water and animal health if…