Utah Considers Environmental Impact of Data Centers Amid Public Opposition

Box Elder County commissioners have unanimously advanced the massive “Stratos” data center project near Tremonton, Utah, despite significant public outcry. Over 3,800 Utahns filed formal objections to the project's water rights transfer, and hundreds attended in-person hearings, chanting “people over profits.” The project, reportedly backed by reality TV personality Kevin O’Leary, has become a pivotal issue testing Utah’s commitment to environmental survival versus corporate interests. Liban Mohamed, a Democratic candidate for Utah's 1st Congressional District and author of the opinion piece, argues that Utah should ban hyperscale data centers in water-stressed regions. He cites University of Utah atmospheric sciences professor Kevin Perry, who warned that the fully built-out 9-gigawatt project, powered primarily by natural gas, could increase Utah’s carbon dioxide emissions by over 50%, matching Connecticut's total annual emissions. Mohamed criticizes the idea of a moratorium as merely delaying the problem, advocating instead for a prohibition. He highlights the contradiction of Utah families being asked to conserve water while large corporations negotiate access to vast quantities for data centers, especially as the Great Salt Lake recedes. He states that if elected to Congress, he will introduce legislation for comprehensive national environmental standards for hyperscale data centers. The Box Elder County vote advanced the project framework but does not complete the process, as major air quality permits, water approvals, and environmental reviews are still required. Mohamed urges Utahns to leverage these remaining processes to demand rigorous review, challenge inadequate permits, and scrutinize subsidies before irreversible decisions are made.