Time Names Utah Gov. Cox to 2026 Climate List
Cox joins energy entrepreneurs and activists on Time's list as environmental groups criticize his record on public lands.
Updated on Nov. 12, 2026 in Utilities
Live Poll
Should the U.S. prioritize nuclear and geothermal power over protecting undeveloped public lands?
Time magazine included Utah Gov. Spencer Cox on its 2026 Time 100 climate leaders list, released Monday alongside energy entrepreneurs, environmental organizers and celebrity activists. Environmental groups criticized Cox for allegedly neglecting protected lands and green energy sources.
Why it matters
The recognition spotlights Utah's push to expand power supply through nuclear, geothermal and grid projects as energy demand rises. Critics argue the state's approach to public lands and green energy does not match the honor.
The Cape Station geothermal project is set to produce 400 megawatts, enough to power about 200,000 homes, and Milford's operation has sold its first 396 megawatts. Estimated energy demand growth of 15-30% from data centers, AI and electric vehicles remains a planning challenge the source does not fully resolve.
The players
Spencer Cox
Spencer Cox is the Republican governor of Utah, chairs the Western Governors' Association, and is one of the few conservatives on Time's climate list.
Tim Latimer
Tim Latimer is the CEO of Fervo Energy, a geothermal company whose Cape Station project is central to Utah's clean power expansion.
Mike Lee
Mike Lee is a U.S. senator from Utah who has led negotiations on a federal permitting reform package.
John Curtis
John Curtis is a U.S. senator from Utah who founded the Conservative Climate Caucus while serving in the U.S. House.
Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance
The Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance is an environmental advocacy group that has criticized Cox's support for reducing national monuments in southern Utah.
The details
Cox was named on Time's list, which also featured Tim Latimer, CEO of Fervo Energy, whose Cape Station project uses an underground loop two miles deep to transfer 400-degree earth heat into power. Cox's Operation Gigawatt initiative streamlines government permitting, and he led a coalition of 10 governors in June demanding grid expansion.
Timeline
June: Cox led a 10-governor coalition demanding grid expansion.
2026: Cox announced a nuclear ecosystem in Brigham City.
This summer: The first modular reactor built outside a lab went critical in Orangeville.
Last month: A Milford geothermal operation sold its first 396 megawatts.
Monday (Nov. 9, 2026): Time released its 2026 Time 100 climate list; a permitting reform package advanced to debate.
Market Landscape
Utah's nuclear and geothermal buildout is positioned against the federal permitting reform package now advancing in the Senate, which would address transmission and review deadlines. The state's record of the lowest electricity rates in the nation gives it a competitive pricing argument as demand rises from AI, data centers and electric vehicles.
Utah's lowest-in-the-nation electricity rates could be tested as energy demand rises 15-30% from data centers, AI and electric vehicles. Households and businesses may see the impact of new nuclear and geothermal capacity in future utility planning.
The takeaway
Utah's energy strategy blends nuclear, geothermal and permitting reform, and its outcome will hinge on whether expansion keeps pace with demand while addressing critics' concerns about public lands.
Further reading
For more on the grid and power projects behind this recognition, see Utilities coverage for Utah.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Deseret News.
Live Poll
Should the U.S. prioritize nuclear and geothermal power over protecting undeveloped public lands?
