Mona, Utah, residents challenge data center approval after permit granted
Residents of Mona, Utah, are protesting the approval of a massive data center project, Nebo North LLC, after learning about it months after its conditional use permit was granted. They accuse Juab County of a lack of transparency, particularly regarding differing notification processes for conditional use permits versus zoning changes. The project, developed by The SetSquare Capital Group, is moving forward despite the growing local opposition, with concerns raised about noise, heat, traffic, and the need for a new gas-powered plant.
Residents of Mona, Utah, are actively opposing a large-scale data center project, Nebo North LLC, developed by The SetSquare Capital Group, near their town. The project, valued at $10 billion and spanning 3 million square feet, received a conditional use permit (CUP) on April 15, but many residents, including Taylor Flake who lives directly across from the site, claim they were not adequately notified. Flake, who learned about the data center from a Williams Gas representative inquiring about a pipeline for a new gas-powered plant, has since formed an advocacy group called "Mona Cares: Neighbors for Responsible Development," which has over 300 members.
Local residents highlight an inconsistency in Juab County's permitting process, where CUPs do not require direct notification to nearby landowners, unlike standard agricultural-to-industrial zoning changes. This alleged lack of transparency is seen as having prevented early public engagement on the data center, which residents now worry will bring constant noise, light, heat, and traffic congestion to their quiet community. Utah State Representative Troy Shelley has attempted to mitigate environmental concerns, claiming data centers have minimal water loss and noise.
At a recent Juab County Commission meeting, over 100 Mona residents gathered to voice their opposition. Commission chairman Clint Painter clarified that the county does not dictate the type of permit a landowner requests and expressed doubts about the legal feasibility of revoking the approved CUP without incurring significant lawsuits from the developer. Jonathan Vanica, co-founder of The SetSquare Capital Group, stated the company's commitment to being a good neighbor and plans for direct community engagement as the project progresses, emphasizing its potential benefits such as investment, jobs, and an expanded tax base. Despite the ongoing community discussions, the project is moving forward as planned, with the commission planning another public meeting.