Protesters Oppose Box Elder County Data Center at Utah Capitol

Hundreds of demonstrators gathered at the Utah state Capitol in Salt Lake City to protest a massive 9-gigawatt data center proposed for Box Elder County, Utah. Opponents expressed significant environmental and water concerns, and criticized the state's Military Installation Development Authority (MIDA) for facilitating the project rapidly. Rally participants sought to deliver an opposition letter to Governor Spencer Cox, urging state leaders to pause the project for independent water and fiscal studies. Brian Moench, representing Utah Physicians for a Healthy Environment, challenged the project's necessity for national security and criticized celebrity businessman Kevin O'Leary's involvement, stating that Utah is being "lied to again by our leaders." He warned that the "Box Elder Death Star" is one of 21 AI data centers in various stages of approval in the state, potentially overwhelming Utah with consequences if not stopped. Allison Barton of Great Salt Lake Audubon questioned MIDA's integrity, highlighting that its board members are appointed, not elected, and may profit from such decisions. MIDA spokeswoman Kristin Kenney Williams defended the organization, stating it operates with integrity and transparency, established through legislative action to support economic growth and defense infrastructure. She noted MIDA manages seven project areas and provides avenues for public participation. The protest, drawing 400-500 people, culminated in the delivery of a letter signed by 7,500 individuals, directly asking the Governor and President Adams to require MIDA to pause the process pending independent review. In response, Paul Palandjian, Co-founder and CEO of O'Leary Digital, dismissed the demonstrations, suggesting they were "not organic protests" and ignored project facts. Meanwhile, local residents in Box Elder County are pursuing a ballot referendum to challenge recent county resolutions related to the project, which MIDA appears to have quickly approved.