Data center dominates candidate forum in Utah Senate president's reelection bid
A proposed AI data center in Box Elder County, Utah, is facing strong public and political opposition due to concerns over water usage. Utah Senate President Stuart Adams, initially a supporter, has softened his stance, urging the developer to reduce the project's size and address water concerns. Challengers in his primary reelection bid are also criticizing the project.
Utah Senate President Stuart Adams faced intense scrutiny during a candidate forum in Sunset, Utah, over a proposed artificial intelligence data center in Box Elder County. The project, known as the Stratos data center and backed by businessman Kevin O'Leary, has drawn considerable public backlash due to its potential water consumption and other concerns.
Adams, a Republican from Layton who chairs the state's Military Installation Development Authority (MIDA), has been instrumental in advancing the project. However, facing challengers Braden Hess and Stephanie Hollist in this month's primary, he has reportedly softened his public support. Adams has urged O'Leary to reduce the data center's size and divert any unused water to the Great Salt Lake, acknowledging the public's desire for clarity.
Hollist, during the forum sponsored by Grow the Flow, vociferously criticized the proposal, suggesting that Utah should not pursue "the largest data center in the country" without addressing public concerns and data. Hess also weighed in, stating that government should not treat data centers differently from other businesses, provided they do not harm society or resources in measurable ways. Residents attending the forum, like Tameron Williams from Box Elder County, expressed strong opposition, citing concerns about tax dollars, water depletion, and an endangered way of life.