Governor Cox

Today I signed an Executive Order establishing a higher bar for data center development in Utah. Utahns deserve confidence that water resources, air quality, utility rates, wildlife, and quality of life will be protected. This framework helps ensure that data center development aligns with Utah’s long-term interests and reflects Utah values. In Utah, environmental stewardship and economic opportunity go hand in hand.

Utah’s National Guard marked a historic transition as we honored Maj. Gen. Daniel Boyack and welcomed Brig. Gen. Michael Kjar as our next adjutant general. 🇺🇸 General Boyack is one of the finest people I know. He has led with courage, humility and integrity, and our state and nation are better because of his service. Abby and I are deeply grateful to General Boyack, Michelle, and their family for all they have given. I’m also incredibly proud to welcome General Kjar. He is the right leader for this moment, and I have complete confidence in him. To every member of the Utah National Guard and every family who serves alongside them: You represent the very best of Utah and America. We are proud of you, grateful for you, and inspired by your service.

Our firefighters made good progress on the Johnson Canyon Fire yesterday, with containment now at 65%. But conditions across Utah remain extremely dangerous. The Widemouth Fire experienced extreme, wind-driven fire behavior, making a nearly 10-mile push toward Fillmore, and Red Flag conditions remain in parts of southeastern Utah as temperatures climb above 100°. Thank you to the firefighters and first responders working around the clock to protect Utah. The best way we can support them is by preventing new fires. Please avoid anything that could create a spark, follow all fire restrictions, and stay alert.

Utah’s current wildfire conditions are extremely dangerous. The regional wildfire preparedness level has risen to 4 out of 5, and firefighting resources are stretched thin as crews face catastrophic conditions on the Widemouth Fire. With another hot, dry week ahead, we need every Utahn to take precautions. Avoid anything that could create a spark, secure trailer chains, never park on dry grass and follow all fire restrictions and evacuation orders. One careless action could put lives, homes, and our firefighters at risk.

It was great to spend time with fellow governors last week as leadership of the National Governors Association transitioned. Thank you, @GovStitt for your leadership through Reigniting the American Dream and your commitment to expanding opportunity across our country. I’m excited to support @GovWesMoore as he begins his term as @NatlGovsAssoc chair and launches Service United. Service has the power to bring us together, strengthen our nation, and remind us that we each have a role in building America’s future.

More here: sltrib.com/news/politics/…

Utah is helping lead America’s nuclear renaissance, and we’re working with our federal partners to ensure any path forward is a win for Utah. As conversations continue around a potential Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus, protecting and restoring the Great Salt Lake must be part of the equation. We’ll only move forward if it’s safe, responsible, and in the best interest of Utah.

More here: utahnewsdispatch.com/2026/07/23/onc…

Stonebridge will provide 29 women with severe mental illness a safe home, 24-hour support and the stability they need to heal. The home is part my budget proposal to strengthen Utah’s homelessness and behavioral health systems. Two more homes are expected to open later this year, bringing 90 new beds online.

Rural Utah has added 110 primary care providers since May 2025, a 9.3% increase that already exceeds our four-year goal. That means more Utahns can receive quality care closer to home. We will keep working to remove unnecessary barriers and strengthen health care access across rural Utah. More about our second-term initiatives here: governor.utah.gov/second-term-in…

President Trump is unleashing the American Nuclear Renaissance! 📩

More here: governor.utah.gov/uncategorized/…

Jamie Barnes has earned the trust of local communities, elected leaders, conservationists, industry partners, and her colleagues through steady leadership, sound judgment, and a willingness to tackle tough challenges. Her work has strengthened collaboration across state government and helped ensure Utah’s natural resources are managed responsibly for future generations. I’m proud to appoint Jamie as commissioner of the @UtahDNR, pending Senate confirmation.

The nuclear renaissance is under way in Utah

More here: energy.gov/articles/nucle…

Affordable, abundant nuclear energy is critical to American prosperity and national security. 🇺🇸 Today’s agreement with the U.S. Department of @ENERGY is an important step in a competitive process exploring the potential for a Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus in Utah. We’re grateful for @SecretaryWright's leadership and look forward to continuing the conversation about how Utah can help strengthen America’s energy security and nuclear supply chain.

More here: usnews.com/news/best-stat…

Thank you, Utahns! For the fourth year in a row, @usnews has ranked Utah the best state in the nation, including No. 2 for economic opportunity and No. 6 for education. This recognition belongs to the Utahns who work hard, serve their neighbors, solve problems, and make this the best place to live, work, and raise a family. I’m grateful for all we’ve accomplished together, and even more excited for what’s ahead.

More here: abc4.com/news/local-new…

It was an honor to meet Brandon Broadhead and recognize his extraordinary courage. Brandon, a Utah Department of Transportation employee, witnessed a serious crash caused by a medical emergency and immediately rushed to help. When the driver lost his pulse, Brandon performed CPR until emergency responders arrived. Brandon’s courage, compassion, and commitment to our state represent the very best of Utah’s public servants.