Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
- Eagle Mountain is considering nuclear energy to meet growing data center demands.
- The City Council approved a framework for future annexation to support energy growth.
- Residents express concerns about safety and environmental impact of potential nuclear reactors.
EAGLE MOUNTAIN — Eagle Mountain is laying the groundwork for what could become a nuclear energy future as part of its long-term vision. But the idea is drawing mixed reactions from residents.
The City Council approved a framework for future annexation Tuesday night to map out where growth could occur. With Eagle Mountain emerging as a hub for data centers, including one operated by Meta, energy demands are a growing concern.
"Those data centers, with the advent of AI, are in need of immense energy," said Tyler Maffitt, communication manager for Eagle Mountain. "The thinking here is that small modular nuclear reactors, in combination with other pursuits for energy generation, can support that framework for the billions of dollars of investment that are taking place here in Eagle Mountain, in the form of data centers, and Align Eagle Mountain to contribute to the overall energy needs of the state."
Maffitt said the city hopes to play a major role in building an energy corridor to help meet Utah's goal of doubling energy production over the next decade. He emphasized that a possible small modular reactor would be placed safely, far enough from homes and communities.
Still, some residents remain uneasy. Brigham City was recently announced as a reactor site, and homeowners fear Eagle Mountain could be next.
"I've lost several people I care about to cancer, several of whom are downwinders," said Joy Rasmussen, an Eagle Mountain homeowner. "It's very personal to me. If we want nuclear energy in Utah, let's put it far away from the city."
Another resident, Elva Maria Perez, voiced concerns for her family.
"I have grandchildren that I want to have a nice area to grow up, to enjoy (and) to play," she said. "But they won't have it if something happens."
The proposed energy corridor would extend just south of Eagle Mountain and to the southeast of nearby Fairfield. Development would occur gradually as landowners apply for annexation. Hollie McKinney, mayor of Fairfield, also raised concerns about traffic, which has already increased with the construction of a major solar farm in the area.
Maffitt noted the city's previous annexation policy has been in place for years, but said Eagle Mountain's rapid growth has changed the conversation.
"A lot has changed in those last several years here in Eagle Mountain," he said.
