Separating fact from fiction on the massive Utah data center project

Box Elder County commissioners on May 4 unanimously approved plans for a 40,000-acre data center in northern Utah's Hansel Valley.

Almost instantly upon approval, the project generated a haze of anxiety from both Utah residents and national groups. Reports have claimed the project will hurt the Great Salt Lake, inflate energy costs and use an inordinate amount of water.

Now Gov. Spencer Cox says the project will be built out more gradually, with county commissioners and the Military Installation Development Authority only approving one phase at a time...