Utah Senator, Fox News Apologize for Linking Data Center Opponents to China
Utah Senator Todd Weiler and Fox News issued apologies for erroneously linking Utah groups, Alliance for a Better Utah and Elevate Strategies, to China. The accusations were made by businessman Kevin O'Leary in relation to the groups' opposition to his proposed data center project in Box Elder County.
Utah Senator Todd Weiler, Fox News, and businessman Kevin O'Leary have issued apologies and clarifications regarding earlier claims that opponents of a proposed data center in Box Elder County, Utah, had ties to China. O'Leary, who is spearheading the data center plans through O'Leary Digital, had suggested in a May 11 Fox Business interview that foes were "proxies for the Chinese government," specifically naming the Alliance for a Better Utah and Elevate Strategies.
Fox News journalist Maria Bartiromo issued an apology on June 26, stating the network had no evidence that the two groups were "funded by or acting at the direction of or in coordination with Chinese interests." Senator Weiler, a Woods Cross Republican, also apologized on social media, admitting he "was duped" after relying on faulty information cited by O'Leary Digital representatives. O'Leary himself clarified on June 25 that he had no evidence linking the groups or individuals to China.
The Box Elder County data center initiative, which includes up to 9.5 gigawatts of power generation, has faced "fierce opposition" from critics who primarily cite environmental concerns, including the potential harm to the environment and depletion of scarce water resources. O'Leary Digital, through CEO Paul Palandjian, stated that O'Leary's clarification was intended to "set the record straight" but emphasized the ongoing call for transparency regarding funding behind organized opposition to critical infrastructure.