Photo courtesy of U.S. Geological SurveyLike birds that land there in spring and summer, concern about data center development in Utah and how it could affect the drying Great Salt Lake is migrating south. Checketts said it’s “what’s in the best interest of the Great Salt Lake,” before his comments were met with boos. Others took the opportunity to call for government leaders to pump the brakes on artificial intelligence and data center development in general and consider the environment first. The controversy comes as data center projects, long criticized for their water usage, are facing newer concerns about what’s in their wastewater. And while you’re here, why not subscribe and get six annual issues of Salt Lake magazine’s curated guide to the best of life in Utah?