Crowd at Utah Capitol opposes proposed Box Elder data center
A large crowd gathered at the Utah State Capitol to protest a proposed massive data center project in Box Elder County, citing concerns about its potential water usage and impact on the Great Salt Lake. Demonstrators called on Governor Cox to slow approvals for the 'Stratos project,' demanding more transparency and public input.
A significant crowd convened at the Utah State Capitol in Salt Lake City on Saturday morning to protest the proposed 'Stratos project,' a large-scale data center planned for Box Elder County. Demonstrators expressed grave concerns that the project, which organizers claim could be one of the largest data centers globally, would exacerbate the struggles of the Great Salt Lake by consuming excessive water resources.
Protesters urged Governor Cox to halt or slow down the approval process, arguing that the project is advancing with insufficient transparency and public engagement. Kathleen Smith, a rally attendee, voiced her belief that the data center project is being 'railroaded' to the people of Utah by Governor Cox and 'the military,' alleging a lack of transparency for a development she described as 'twice the size of Manhattan.'
Organizers, including residents from Box Elder, Cache Valley, Davis, and Utah counties, are advocating for independent studies to thoroughly assess the project's water usage and environmental repercussions.