Utah Governor Spencer Cox has emphasized the need for increased power supply in the state, estimating that Utah will require as much electricity in the next five years as it generated in the last century. This demand is driven by a growing population and the pursuit of data centers and AI developers. In response to this need, Cox launched Operation Gigawatt, aiming to double energy production over the next decade. However, the Republican supermajority in the Utah Legislature has adopted a stance that complicates solar energy development. Recent legislation signed by Cox has ended tax credits for solar development and introduced new taxes on solar energy generation. These changes are expected to make solar projects more difficult and expensive to pursue. The legislative actions have raised concerns within the solar industry, as solar power has been the fastest-growing energy source in Utah, accounting for a significant portion of new projects awaiting connection to the power grid. The impact of these bills has already been felt, with numerous planned solar projects withdrawing their applications since the laws took effect. While Operation Gigawatt promotes nuclear and geothermal energy, the recent legislation limiting solar development has drawn criticism from industry insiders. The shift in legislative focus reflects a broader trend in some conservative states, raising alarms about the future of solar energy in Utah. Despite the challenges, Cox maintains support for solar energy when it is appropriately situated and integrated with energy storage solutions. He indicated that while he did not veto the anti-solar bills, he worked to mitigate their impact. The evolving energy landscape in Utah is marked by increasing demand and significant legislative changes that could reshape the state’s energy future. Solar developers are now reconsidering their investments in Utah amid these new challenges, potentially undermining the goals set forth in Operation Gigawatt.