Proposed Box Elder data center raises concerns over scale, impact

A colossal proposed data center development in Box Elder County, Utah, has sparked widespread concern due to its immense scale. The project, which would encompass approximately 40,000 acres—an area comparable to several Utah cities—is drawing criticism not only from local residents but also from those in Salt Lake County, located over 70 miles away. Meg, a Salt Lake County resident, expressed her skepticism, stating, "With the size that it’s going to be, taking up all that land, I just don’t think that that’s a wise investment." She further highlighted worries about the data center's substantial water demands, a critical issue for the state, and emphasized that the project's impact would extend beyond Box Elder County, affecting the entire community and state. The development is currently in the proposal stage, prompting ongoing discussions about its environmental and resource implications.