'Data Center Revolt' tour stops in Brigham City, stressing importance of public involvement
Humans First brought its nationwide Data Center Revolt tour to Brigham City to call for greater public involvement and stronger safeguards in data center and artificial intelligence development. The stop highlighted opposition to O'Leary Digital's proposed Stratos Area Project in Box Elder County, while the company said it supports public input and wants discussions based on facts.
Humans First stopped in Brigham City as part of its nationwide Data Center Revolt tour, citing public backlash to O'Leary Digital's proposed Stratos Area Project in Box Elder County. Senior adviser Kylie Kremer and Texas director Cathy Latham said communities need a greater voice in data center planning, along with stronger guardrails for artificial intelligence and more transparency from elected officials. Kremer also raised concerns about potential effects on local water and power supplies, pollution and tax incentives for developers.
O'Leary Digital CEO Paul Palandjian said the company agrees that public sentiment matters and is committed to developing a project the county can be proud of. He also said threats against ranchers, landowners, commissioners and people associated with the project have been driven by misinformation. The article also noted that Iron County planners approved a conditional-use permit for a data center west of Cedar City and that the county imposed a 180-day moratorium on other data center proposals while reviewing development guidelines.