'This is our water': Hundreds of Utahns rally against proposed Box Elder data center
Hundreds of Utahns rallied at the Capitol against the proposed Stratos Project data center in Box Elder County, citing significant environmental concerns, particularly regarding water usage and its impact on the Great Salt Lake. Despite a recent approval by the Box Elder County Commission, opposition groups are actively organizing referendums and advocating for the project's termination, criticizing developer Kevin O'Leary and local politicians.
More than 600 Utahns, including residents from Box Elder County and as far as American Fork and South Jordan, rallied at the Utah Capitol to protest the proposed Stratos Project data center in Box Elder County. The demonstration, spurred by environmental concerns, focused heavily on the project's potential impact on northern Utah's limited water supplies, the Great Salt Lake, and local temperatures. Organizers like Shannon Barton of Box Elder Accountability Referendum (BEAR) are actively gathering signatures for referendums and encouraging civic engagement to halt the development.
The Stratos Project, spearheaded by Canadian entrepreneur Kevin O'Leary and his company O'Leary Digital, is projected to eventually cover 10,000 to 13,000 acres, with plans for a data center primarily serving military needs and a power-generating network capable of 7.5-9 gigawatts. Critics, supported by a recent poll showing majority voter opposition, argue the development was rushed, highlighting the Box Elder County Commission's May 4 approval despite ongoing public outcry. State politicians, including Utah State House Minority Leader Angela Romero, expressed support for the protesters, acknowledging the long fight ahead.
Kevin O'Leary has dismissed critics as paid 'professional protestors' or linked them to foreign entities, claims vehemently denied by attendees who confirmed they were all Utah residents and unpaid volunteers. Paul Palandjian, CEO of O'Leary Digital, offered a slightly softer stance, suggesting the opposition is funded by a 'Utah progressive advocacy network' under federal scrutiny. Protesters, however, emphasized their local roots and concern for the state's future, with many expressing disappointment in Governor Spencer Cox's handling of the situation, especially regarding the perceived rush to approve such a large project without adequate environmental studies.