Gov. Cox stresses efforts to protect Great Salt Lake amid intense data center debate

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox has publicly addressed the intense debate over the proposed Stratos Project Area, a massive data center complex planned for Box Elder County. Following the Box Elder County commissioners' approval of the project despite significant public backlash, Governor Cox issued directives aimed at protecting the Great Salt Lake and other environmental concerns. In a social media post, Governor Cox stated he is directing the Utah Department of Natural Resources to ensure the use of the most environmentally sensitive cooling technology, requiring public reporting of water usage, and guaranteeing the project will not reduce water going to the Great Salt Lake. He also outlined guidelines for the project's phased development, including a 1.5 gigawatt limit for the first phase of power infrastructure and a commitment from O'Leary Digital, led by celebrity businessman Kevin Leary, to a mixed energy portfolio that includes renewables, nuclear, or low-emission alternatives. State agencies like the Utah Public Service Commission and the Utah Department of Environmental Quality will have oversight. Critics have raised concerns about the project's potential impact on water, air quality, energy, and land use, with nearly 4,000 formal protests filed against a now-withdrawn water rights request. Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall also voiced skepticism about placing such a large water-intensive facility in Utah's arid climate. Despite the project's approval, opposition remains active, with some groups pursuing efforts to rescind the resolutions passed by the county commissioners.