Utah State Democrats, opponents question MIDA's role in Box Elder County data center project

Environmentalists and residents across northern Utah, including Tremonton and Box Elder County, are vocally opposing the proposed 40,000-acre Stratos Data Center Project. The project, led by the state's Military Installation Development Authority (MIDA) in partnership with Canadian businessman Kevin O’Leary of O’Leary Digital, is planned for a remote area in Box Elder County's Hansel Valley. MIDA Executive Director Paul Morris defends the project, highlighting its potential for sustainability, energy resilience, and economic investment. He noted that MIDA had urged Box Elder officials to approve an interlocal agreement and offered state tax incentives to O’Leary Digital. However, approximately 600 opponents gathered at the Box Elder Fairgrounds to protest, questioning MIDA's influence and its board's composition. Critics, including state Democratic leadership, allege that MIDA's structure is biased towards development, with several board members being active real estate brokers or developers, and that it prioritizes Hill Air Force Base interests over broader Utah environmental concerns. The board includes figures such as state Senate President Stuart Adams, Clearfield Mayor Mark Shepherd, and state Senator Jerry Stevenson. The project has become a significant point of contention due to its scale and proximity to the shrinking Great Salt Lake, raising fears of an "environmental catastrophe." The Democratic leadership in the Utah Senate, including Senators Luz Escamilla and Karen Kwan, sent a letter of protest to the Box Elder County commissioners and requested meetings with MIDA, the Department of Natural Resources, and the Department of Environmental Quality. A separate letter of concern was also sent to Governor Spencer Cox by "the People of Box Elder," advocating for public input on such large-scale developments. Despite the public and political opposition, the Box Elder County Commission has taken steps to "clear the way" for the project.