Threats follow data center vote in northern Utah

Box Elder County Commissioner Lee Perry has reported receiving death threats following his vote to approve a proposed data center project in northern Utah. The Commissioner, visibly emotional, discussed the personal toll and national attention this issue has garnered. Perry and two other Commissioners voted to green-light the "Stratus project," which is being supported by celebrity businessman Kevin O'Leary. This decision was made despite significant and frequent protests from residents. O'Leary controversially claimed on social media that over 90% of the protesters were not from Utah or Box Elder County and were being bussed in, a claim made without evidence. Commissioner Perry, however, confirmed that he personally reviewed thousands of public comments about the project, many from Utah residents and surrounding areas, expressing concerns about potential impacts on water and air quality. He emphasized that the county's ability to halt the project was limited because it is planned for private, unzoned land, leaving the commission feeling their "hands are tied." Perry recommended that concerned citizens reach out to the Utah Military Installation Development Authority (MIDA) or the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) for further feedback or concerns.