Cox promises Box Elder County data center developers 'don’t get to skip any steps'
Utah Governor Spencer Cox affirmed that developers of the controversial Box Elder County data center, backed by Kevin O'Leary, will be required to follow all state guidelines and permit processes, particularly concerning air quality and water. This stance comes amidst significant public opposition, including formal protests and a proposed citizen referendum, driven by environmental concerns related to the Great Salt Lake, emissions, and resource consumption.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox announced at his Operation Gigawatt Summit in Park City that developers of the proposed Box Elder County data center will not be permitted to bypass any regulatory steps, emphasizing the necessity of adhering to state laws and the permitting process. This assertion follows significant public debate surrounding the project, which is backed by investor Kevin O'Leary and known as the Stratos Project.
The governor's comments address widespread controversy, as critics have raised concerns about the data center's potential environmental impact on the Great Salt Lake ecosystem, air quality, and its substantial energy and water demands. Thousands have already filed formal protests against water rights applications for the facility, and environmental organizations have staged demonstrations. Furthermore, Box Elder County residents are actively pursuing a citizen referendum for the upcoming November ballot, aiming to repeal the county commissioners' prior resolutions that green-lighted the project.
Governor Cox also disputed claims regarding the project's energy needs, stating that the widely reported figure of 9 gigawatts of natural gas power is unfeasible under current air permitting regulations, suggesting a more realistic figure of around 1.5 gigawatts. He encouraged developers to explore advanced energy solutions like nuclear and geothermal power, reiterating that the permitting process, including opportunities for public input on air quality and water permits, will be strictly enforced.