Protesters decry lack of transparency, warn of environmental impact from Box Elder data center

The Box Elder County Commission in Utah unanimously approved a large data center project during a special meeting, despite significant public outcry. Approximately 500 protesters from various parts of the state, including Sandy, Draper, Logan, and West Point, gathered at the Box Elder County fairgrounds to oppose the development. Residents like Colleen Flanagan expressed outrage over the lack of transparency, stating that no studies were done and the community was unaware of the project. Mitchell Tousley from Draper echoed concerns about the absence of public input for a project of this scale. Hailey Eubanks from Logan voiced worries about the long-term environmental consequences for future generations. Travis Padilla, a West Point resident, highlighted existing health issues from lake bed dust and feared the data center would exacerbate them, questioning why investors and lawmakers are attempting to fast-track the project at the expense of local residents. Although the commission's decision allows the project to move forward, it is not the final step. Formal protests have already been filed with state engineers, and the article notes the potential for environmental litigation in the future.