Hundreds of Utahns rally against proposed Box Elder data center
Hundreds of Utahns rallied at the Capitol against the proposed Stratus project data center in Box Elder County, citing environmental and transparency concerns. Opponents are organizing a referendum to overturn the Box Elder County Commission's approval of the project. They criticize local leaders for lack of transparency and denounce Kevin O'Leary's remarks about opponents.
More than 600 Utahns gathered at the State Capitol to protest the proposed Stratus project data center in Box Elder County. Demonstrators, including groups like the Mama Bears and the newly formed Box Elder Accountability Referendum (BEAR), expressed strong opposition, demanding greater transparency and environmental impact studies for the project. They raised concerns about its potential effects on air quality, water, and other natural resources.
Protesters also criticized Governor Cox and local elected leaders for their handling of the project, citing a perceived lack of transparency and denial of public comment. They specifically denounced remarks made by Shark Tank's Kevin O'Leary, who is associated with the project, for alleging that opponents are paid or linked to the Chinese Communist Party.
BEAR aims to overturn the Box Elder County Commission's 'green light' on the project through a referendum in November. The group is currently in a waiting period for county attorney approval and plans to enlist 2,500 volunteers to gather 5,422 signatures from Box Elder residents. While a recent Deseret News Hinckley Institute of Politics poll indicated some Utahns favor the data center, the rally highlighted significant opposition.