Utah Residents Protest Data Centers at Planning Commission Meeting in Provo
Provo, Utah, United States · Oct 20, 2026
Is it still on?
NOIt was a one-day action on Oct 20.
Last report · checked
Summary in three lines
- Why they are protesting
- Residents opposed proposed zoning ordinance changes allowing new data centers due to concerns over heavy water and electricity demands.
- What they want
- Reject the proposed data center zoning ordinance and halt facility construction approvals.
- What changed
- Oct 22: Sheriff's deputies arrested three people during the meeting, leading to online public backlash and calls for officer termination.
Both sides
What protesters want
- Reject proposed data center zoning changes
- Protect local water and electricity resources from massive facility demands
- Fire the deputy involved in the physical restraint of the protester
What authorities say
The Utah County Sheriff’s Office stated deputies tried to escort a woman out after she argued and refused to leave, alleging she struck a deputy in the groin. Three people were booked into the Utah County Jail on allegations including disrupting a meeting and assault. Provo FD EMS examined the injured protester and reported no immediate…123
The numbers
Only figures a source states, with who said it. Estimates often differ.
The full story
Scores of residents gathered at a Utah County Planning Commission meeting in Provo to protest proposed land use amendments that would allow data centers in mining, grazing, and industrial zones. Attendees expressed concerns regarding the high water and electricity demands of data facilities. During the meeting, a physical altercation occurred when law enforcement attempted to remove a protester from the room. Video footage showed a deputy taking the woman to the ground, resulting in her arrest alongside two others. The Utah County Sheriff’s Office stated that deputies attempted to escort the individual out after she argued and refused to leave, alleging she struck an officer. The protester disputed the allegation and stated she suffered a concussion and bruises, prompting widespread public backlash and demands for the deputy's dismissal.
Timeline
Viral video of the arrest sparked intense public backlash online, with the injured protester calling for the involved deputy to be fired.3
The Utah County Sheriff's Office released a statement defending the deputy's actions and detailing the charges against the arrested individuals.12
Residents protested data center regulations at the Utah County Planning Commission meeting in Provo, leading to three arrests.123
Related protests
Mumbai fishers and villagers protest against Manori desalination plant
Mumbai, India · Oct 19
Protesters oppose the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's proposed desalination plant at Manori, fearing damage to marine life and livelihoods.
- environment
- land
- local civic
3 sources · 85% sure ·
Arunachal Pradesh Protests Against Upper Siang Dam Turn Violent
Pasighat, India · since Oct 23
Locals oppose the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project, fearing displacement, ancestral land loss, and environmental destruction.
- environment
- land
- water
7 sources · 95% sure ·
Officials rally in Kingston urging Governor Hochul to sign the SUNNY Act
Kingston, United States · Oct 22
Advocates and local officials want to lower electric bills and cut pollution by legalizing plug-in solar panels in New York.
- environment
- climate
- prices
2 sources · 70% sure ·
Protests in Austin over parking dispute near HBCU
Austin, United States · since Oct 14
Locals and students are protesting after a homeowner told university students not to park outside her house and insulted their school.
- local civic
- housing
3 sources · 80% sure ·