Here are the lobbyists Kevin O’Leary hired to promote his Box Elder County data center
Investor Kevin O’Leary and his company, O'Leary Ventures Co., have hired lobbyists to promote the Stratos data center project in Box Elder County, Utah, amidst significant public opposition. The Box Elder County Commission recently approved a resolution to allow the project to move forward. Opponents, including the Center for Biological Diversity, are concerned about the data center's potential impact on the Great Salt Lake.
The proposed Stratos data center project in Box Elder County, Utah, is facing strong opposition from thousands of residents and environmental groups, including the nonprofit Center for Biological Diversity. Opponents describe the situation as a "David versus Goliath fight," citing concerns about the project's potential impact on the Great Salt Lake.
Investor Kevin O'Leary, whose company O'Leary Ventures Co. is developing the data center, has enlisted professional lobbyists Casey Hill and Lincoln Shurtz from Lincoln Hill Partners to advocate for the project. These public disclosures come after the Box Elder County Commission approved a resolution on May 4th to allow the project to proceed. Both Hill and Shurtz have extensive experience with Utah politicians; Hill notably managed Senate President Stuart Adams' election campaign, and Adams has also supported the Stratos Project.
Professor Leam Murray of Weber State University commented on the crucial role lobbyists play in providing information to legislators. While O'Leary's payment to Hill and Shurtz remains undisclosed, public records show Lincoln Hill Partners has charged local governments, such as Salt Lake County ($35,000) and Beaver County and Moab ($60,000 combined), for lobbying services. Lobbyists are known for their access to political leaders and their advocacy before regulatory bodies.