Box Elder County delays vote on hyperscale data center amid local concerns, state pressure
News ClipThe Herald Journal·Box Elder County, UT·4/27/2026
Box Elder County Commissioners have delayed a vote on a proposed multibillion-dollar hyperscale data center in Hansel Valley, Utah, following significant public concern and protests. Residents and commissioners expressed frustrations over the rapid pace of the approval process, lack of transparency, and potential environmental impacts, particularly concerning water use and air quality from natural gas power generation. The project, backed by MIDA and celebrity investor Kevin O'Leary, is touted for its economic benefits but faces skepticism from the community.
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Gov: Box Elder County Commission, Military Installation Development Authority, Utah National Guard
Box Elder County Commissioners have postponed a crucial vote on a multi-billion-dollar hyperscale data center project, originally scheduled for Monday morning, until next Monday, May 4, at 4 p.m. The decision came amid a packed county commission meeting where approximately 80 Northern Utah residents protested the proposed development in Hansel Valley near Snowville, citing concerns over transparency and the expedited approval process.
The project, spearheaded by the Military Installation Development Authority (MIDA) and celebrity investor Kevin O’Leary, aims to attract major tech companies. Supporters, including MIDA executive director Paul Morris and Col. Andrew Owens of the Utah National Guard, emphasize the project's potential for thousands of jobs, national security benefits, and its status as a "once-in-a-generational opportunity" for economic development. MIDA officials also claim the facility will generate its own electricity using natural gas and employ a closed-loop water cooling system to mitigate environmental impact.
However, residents like Damon Wiltshire and Foster Nix, along with Commissioner Lee Perry, voiced strong opposition and frustration regarding the speed at which the project has advanced, arguing that public input and research have been insufficient. Environmental concerns, particularly regarding water consumption and CO2 emissions from natural gas power generation, were central to the protests. Logan resident and state office candidate Barbara Haggerty criticized the project's vague promises, highlighting existing air and water challenges in northern Utah.
Commissioners, including Tyler Vincent and Boyd Bingham, acknowledged their limited time to review the proposal and questioned the long-term returns and risks associated with the project's incentives. Despite the tensions, some attendees appreciated the commission's decision to delay, viewing it as an opportunity for more thorough review and public engagement.