Critics warn of water, power drain for proposed massive data center in Box Elder County

A proposed massive data center, known as the Stratus project, in Box Elder County, Utah, is facing significant criticism over its projected water and power consumption. Robert Davies, a physicist at Utah State, warns that the data center's environmental impact could "scrape the living systems of the Earth," particularly concerning the Great Salt Lake. Governor Spencer Cox supports the project, branding it as a critical military mission, but critics question the state's commitment to conserving the Great Salt Lake, given the data center's substantial needs. The facility is estimated to require 9 gigawatts of power, an amount equivalent to the combined consumption of about 2.5 New York Cities. Rob Dubuque, representing the Great Salt Lake, highlights that while agricultural water rights in the valley could be transferred to the data center, the public scrutiny around this application is unusually high, with "two or three protests" and numerous letters of concern. While developers have stated they will not draw water directly from the Great Salt Lake, there is a "misunderstanding" regarding the interconnectedness of springs and groundwater feeding the lake, which would still impact the lake's water levels. As the Box Elder County Commission approaches another critical meeting, the public is left to consider the long-term implications. The debate centers on whether Utah is prioritizing private enterprise and its natural resources, or if it's merely leaving "crumbs in Hansel Valley."