In a recent letter, Ted Pochmara asked a fair question: Why are we building AI infrastructure before establishing rules to govern this powerful new technology?
It’s worth answering because Utah is leading efforts on establishing AI governance that is explicitly pro-human and pro-innovation. In fact, this is why I chose to set up my AI company’s headquarters in Utah.
Two years ago, Utah became the first state to pass a law regulating generative AI, establishing mandatory disclosure requirements for consumers and creating the Utah Office of Artificial Intelligence Policy, which is charged with studying AI’s impacts, safeguarding the public, and promoting responsible innovation.
Last year at the Utah AI Summit, Utah’s Pro-Human AI initiative was announced. This initiative seeks to unify the use and development of AI across six key pillars: workforce, industry, government, academia, learning and education, and public protection.
Anchored in the core values of AI being human-guided and human-enhancing, the initiative and Pro-Human AI Task Force (jointly Chaired by Margaret Busse, Executive Director of the Department of Consumer Affairs, and Jefferson Moss, Commissioner of Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity) bridge economic development and public well-being. The task force’s work emphasizes the importance of protecting human dignity and agency. It also makes space for AI-driven innovation that aligns with Utah’s values and priorities.
The Legislature has continued to be thoughtful in this area. To address digital safety, House Bill 276 combats deepfakes; Senate Bill 256 expands libel and slander laws to include AI; and House Bill 289 extends child sexual abuse material enforcement to AI-generated imagery.
Regarding AI infrastructure, Utahns should know that Senate Bill 132 requires large data centers to generate their own power. And House Bill 76 mandates transparency about water usage.
Recently, Gov. Cox signed an executive order directing state agencies to prioritize water resources, air quality, wildlife, utility stability, and public engagement before any large project moves forward.
None of this means the concerns raised by residents near the proposed project in Box Elder County and elsewhere are without merit. Infrastructure at this scale carries real environmental and community stakes, and public scrutiny is a key part of how oversight is meant to work.
The governor’s recent order reflects that.
But when it comes to AI at large, Utah is not making a choice between building and governing wisely. It is actively pursuing both.
Bennett B. Borden, founder and CEO of Clarion AI Partners, Salt Lake City