Amid boos, Box Elder County Commission unanimously approves plan for massive data center

The Box Elder County Commission in Utah unanimously approved a plan for a massive data center in the western end of the county, despite strong opposition from hundreds of residents. The meeting on Tuesday night, attended by protesters from across the county and state, became highly contentious, with commissioners Lee Perry, Tyler Vincent, and Boyd Bingham facing boos and chants of "shame" after announcing there would be no public comment. The situation escalated to the point where commissioners threatened law enforcement action and ultimately moved the remainder of the meeting to a virtual format. The proposed Stratus project is backed by TV personality and investor Kevin O'Leary and the Military Installation Development Authority (MIDA). Protesters voiced concerns about environmental impacts, specifically citing the area's already limited water resources and the potential for further damage. Experts informed the commission that water at the site is too salty for human consumption and that the facility would be powered by a natural gas line, requiring compliance with air quality standards. Following the approval of two resolutions, Commissioner Perry explained that the first resolution established "guardrails" and guidelines to protect citizens, given the state's lack of zoning laws. The second resolution formally accepted MIDA's ability to operate within Box Elder County. When questioned about the widespread opposition, commissioners acknowledged that while some community members would be unhappy, others would be pleased by the decision to move forward with the project.