Story perspectives

Senator Confronts Crew as Water Permit Revoked, AI Center Stalled

5/10/2026

35 5

Summary

Story summary

Senator Jerry Stevenson physically confronted a news crew while defending his nursery amid backlash over the Stratos AI data center project.
Box Elder County commissioners approved the 40,000-acre Stratos AI data center, a project backed by the Military Installation Development Authority.
After thousands of complaints, officials rescinded a permit to divert water from Salt Wells Spring near the Great Salt Lake, leaving construction on hold while town-hall meetings are scheduled.

History

Historical Context

President Richard Nixon signed the 1972 Clean Water Act, giving the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers authority to issue Section 404 permits for water-fill projects. After the 1977 amendments added six exemptions, the law has been used to block Utah diversions since the 1970s. Today, the Corps denied Box Elder County’s Salt Wells Spring permit for the Stratos AI data center, drawing scrutiny from Senator Jerry Stevenson.

1 of 2

Story summary

Senator Jerry Stevenson physically confronted a news crew while defending his nursery amid backlash over the Stratos AI data center project.
Box Elder County commissioners approved the 40,000-acre Stratos AI data center, a project backed by the Military Installation Development Authority.
After thousands of complaints, officials rescinded a permit to divert water from Salt Wells Spring near the Great Salt Lake, leaving construction on hold while town-hall meetings are scheduled.

1 / 2