Antelope Data Center faces uncertain path at Thursday meeting
The Antelope Data Center, developed by Pronghorn Development, is scheduled for a potential vote on its conditional use permit at the Iron County Planning Commission meeting. The commission could approve, deny, or continue the application, with conditions including noise mitigation and detailed pipeline plans. Residents have expressed significant concerns, particularly regarding water usage and environmental impacts.
The Antelope Data Center, proposed by Pronghorn Development, is facing a critical decision at the upcoming Iron County Planning Commission meeting in Cedar City, Utah. The commission will consider a conditional use permit for the project, with potential outcomes ranging from approval (possibly with modifications) to denial or postponement. Although no public hearing is scheduled for this meeting, public comments are still being accepted, following an earlier hearing on March 5.
Conditions for potential approval include submitting design photos, noise mitigation plans, detailing a natural gas power plant solely for the facility's use, and disclosing pipeline and backup generator plans. Iron County Commissioner Mike Bleak noted that even with approval, the project remains several years from breaking ground, subject to various regulations. Residents like Brittany Fischer have voiced strong opposition, citing concerns over water consumption in a drought-stricken state, environmental impact, property values, and privacy. Another resident, Mary Robbins, while acknowledging potential benefits, emphasized the need for projects to be "win-win" and sensitive to community culture.