Box Elder County data center debate intensifies as foes, supporters trade barbs

A week after Box Elder County officials approved the Stratos Project Area data center project, the debate is escalating. Kevin O'Leary, the Canadian businessman leading the O'Leary Digital initiative, publicly accused opponents of the project, including Gabi Finlayson of Elevate Utah and the founders of Alliance for a Better Utah, of potentially working with the Chinese government, referencing online attacks against the plans. Critics, including Finlayson and Farrah Pliley of Box Elder Accountability Referendum (BEAR), strongly rebuff O'Leary's claims. They are actively pursuing ballot referendums on the two resolutions approved by Box Elder County Commissioners on May 4, which gave the green light to the project. BEAR has filed two applications seeking authority to petition for these referendums, which require 5,422 valid signatures on each to force a public vote. Opponents are also planning a demonstration at the Utah Capitol in Salt Lake City to present an open letter of opposition to Gov. Spencer Cox, who supports the project but has acknowledged opponents' concerns. Box Elder County spokeswoman Lynette Crockett stated that county officials are reviewing the referendum applications. She clarified that if a referendum is successful, it would void the consent and agreement approved by the county commissioners, but not necessarily halt the project itself. O'Leary could theoretically proceed, but without the concessions, conditions, and protections that the county had negotiated within the resolutions. The project, touted for bolstering U.S. military AI capabilities, is controversial due to concerns over its potential water usage and impact on the Great Salt Lake.