Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Meeting Votes Roundup topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Planning commission unanimously approves six conditional use permits, including data center and power projects
Summary
At its April 2 meeting, the Duchesne County Planning Commission approved six conditional use permits for a vehicle rental lot, two solar plants, a produced-water recycling facility, a natural gas plant and a preliminary data center plan; commissioners expressed concerns about decommissioning, water use and hydrogen safety and received multiple public comments on environmental impacts.
The Duchesne County Planning Commission voted unanimously on April 2 to approve six conditional use permits covering a vehicle rental lot, two solar power projects, a produced-water recycling facility, a natural gas power plant and a proposed data center.
Acting Chairperson Annette Miller opened the quasi-judicial hearing and staff presented findings of fact for each application. For each item commissioners asked clarifying questions—most frequently about decommissioning plans, water use and potential environmental or safety risks—and members heard public comment before moving to votes.
Key outcomes at a glance: • A1 — Vehicle rental lot (Justin & Jamie Hansen): Approved. Applicant Justin Hansen said the operation would be conducted online with off-site delivery and no customer traffic. Motion by Commissioner Kevin Yack; second by Commissioner Connie Sweat; unanimous vote. • A2 — Solar power plant (Danny Loveland): Approved. Staff noted no decommissioning plan had been provided; applicant Eric Taylor said the project may operate “behind the meter” and is discussing potential users including hydrogen use. Motion by Commissioner Reed Van Wagoner; second by Commissioner Connie Sweat; unanimous vote. • A3 — Produced-water recycling facility (reWater LLC): Approved. Staff and applicant described the facility as reducing freshwater demand and using ponds for temporary storage; public commenters raised concerns about mosquitoes, odor, air quality and H2S. Motion by Commissioner Reed Van Wagoner; second by Commissioner Spencer Turnbow; unanimous vote. • A4 — Solar power plant (Vaibhav Shree LLC): Approved. Commissioners queried employment estimates and water sourcing; applicant Jake Anderegg said estimates depend on tenants and culinary water is being considered. Public commenters requested tribal coordination and raised environmental and water concerns. Motion by Commissioner Connie Sweat; second by Commissioner Reed Van Wagoner; unanimous vote. • A5 — Natural gas power plant (Vaibhav Shree LLC): Approved. Staff recommended a decommissioning plan; commissioners asked about water use and gas sources and were told reuse is being considered and both field and pipeline gas may be used. Motion by Commissioner Reed Van Wagoner; second by Commissioner Kevin Yack; unanimous vote. • A6 — Data center (Vaibhav Shree LLC): Approved. Staff confirmed state reporting and notice requirements apply to water providers; Tom Henderson said industrial water rates apply for cooling. Applicant Jake Anderegg said the project is preliminary and details are not finalized. Numerous public commenters asked for additional information on water use, emissions, tribal coordination and long-term infrastructure impacts. Motion by Commissioner Spencer Turnbow; second by Commissioner Connie Sweat; unanimous vote.
The commission also approved the March 4, 2026 meeting minutes and received staff updates on General Plan progress and the APA Conference. The meeting adjourned at 9:01 PM.
