MIDA violated state law in approval process of Box Elder County data center, group claims
A civic group, Utah Civic Compact, claims the Military Installation Development Authority (MIDA) violated state law in the approval process for a proposed data center in Box Elder County, Utah. The group is considering legal action, and the project is currently on hold after a zoning application was abandoned. Project proponents are defending the development against claims of environmental and power concerns.
The newly formed group, Utah Civic Compact, alleges that the Military Installation Development Authority (MIDA) improperly followed procedures in the approval process for a data center project in Box Elder County. Co-founder Joe Buchman, a former congressional candidate, claims MIDA rushed what should have been a thorough process and is considering filing a complaint or pursuing legal action.
The data center project, referred to as "Stratus," is planned for 40 acres in the Hansel Valley and is currently on hold after a zoning change application was abandoned, though it is expected to be refiled. Kevin O'Leary, a proponent of the project, defended it against what he called "misinformation," clarifying that they are building their own power infrastructure, creating jobs, and generating tax revenue for Utah. He specifically addressed concerns about draining the Great Salt Lake, using Utah's power, or the project's scale.
Local legislators and the Public Service Commission are involved, with the latter potentially reviewing and undoing MIDA's decision. FOX 13 News Utah reached out to a MIDA spokesperson for comment on these latest claims.