How a data center backlash is twisting Utah’s primary
A conservative challenger in Utah's primary election, Karianne Lisonbee, is campaigning against incumbent Rep. Blake Moore by focusing on the massive Stratos data center project in Box Elder County. Lisonbee opposes the project, while Moore advocates for more local engagement and environmental investment, highlighting the growing political blowback against data center development nationwide.
The ongoing primary election in Utah's 1st congressional district sees incumbent Rep. Blake Moore facing a challenge from state legislator Karianne Lisonbee, with the controversial Stratos data center project becoming a central campaign issue. The proposed 20,000-acre data center in Box Elder County has drawn significant political blowback, reflecting a national trend of skepticism towards AI-fueled data center growth among some conservatives.
Lisonbee has taken a firm stance against the Stratos project, aiming to capitalize on local voter engagement that has already led to the project halving its scope due to activist campaigns. She has accused Moore of supporting the data center, predicting voters will align with her opposition. Moore, while acknowledging the project's economic and national security benefits, has called for greater local input, investment in natural resources, and efforts to lower energy prices, criticizing Lisonbee for previously supporting a state-level agency involved in the project.
Despite Lisonbee's focus on the data center, Moore holds a significant financial advantage and an endorsement from former President Donald Trump. While some anti-Stratos activists believe the issue will sway undecided voters, others remain skeptical of its ultimate impact on the primary outcome. The political divide over data centers, which have seen an estimated $130 billion in projects blocked by protests this year, indicates a growing challenge for politicians across the spectrum.