Box Elder County Commissioners approve data center project despite public opposition

The Deseret News Editorial Board highlighted the contentious nature of a proposed 40,000-acre data center development in Box Elder County, Utah, after a "raucous public meeting" led county commissioners to broadcast their approval vote from a separate room. The project, backed by Canadian businessman Kevin O’Leary, is projected to require 9 gigawatts of power, likely from on-site natural gas plants, and is touted for its national security implications. Residents and the Sutherland Institute have raised significant concerns regarding the massive water consumption, estimated at 300,000 gallons per day for cooling, in a drought-prone region, and the potential strain on electricity resources. While developers claim the facility will use a closed-loop cooling system with non-potable well water that will be cleaned and sent to the Great Salt Lake, and that on-site power generation will prevent electricity rate hikes, the editorial board emphasizes the need for transparency and assurances. Congressman Blake Moore condemned the "acrimony, threats, and vitriol" against elected officials, urging a respectful process. However, the editorial board cautions against rushing the development due to technological obsolescence and calls for public officials to slow down, conduct thorough environmental studies, and address public questions to protect Utah taxpayers and the environment, ensuring the process continues with full consideration of community concerns.