Nuclear-powered data centers? It’s a tough sell in Utah coal country.

Cindy O’Neil, a Carbon County resident, voices strong opposition to two proposed data center projects near her home, fearing risks from nuclear waste storage and natural gas plants. She highlights the county’s history with coal-related health and safety hazards, arguing that new energy-dependent industries bring unfamiliar dangers. O’Neil tracks local developments and shares updates on community pages, reflecting widespread unease about the projects’ proximity to homes.

Valar Atomics, a nuclear startup, plans to build a 456 small modular reactor complex on Bureau of Land Management land in Carbon County, including radioactive waste storage and facilities to power data centers. The Utah Trust Lands Administration has leased a square mile of state land to Valar for up to 100 years, with projected lease rents of $35 million over 50 years benefiting Utah schools. The project has received support from state officials and local commissioners, despite community pushback.

Altigen Energy’s ‘Jurassic Spark’ project in Carbon County involves a 1,200-acre data center campus powered by a 250-megawatt natural gas plant, with potential expansion to 3 gigawatts—nearly the state’s total current usage. The project follows Utah’s 2023 law allowing private companies to build self-contained power plants for large energy demands, including data centers. Natural gas plants, while meeting energy needs, emit methane, a potent greenhouse gas, raising climate and air quality concerns.

Local resident Cheryl Lupo, running for a county commission seat, disputes claims of broad community support for the projects, citing overwhelming opposition during her campaign. Lupo’s family has a history tied to nuclear testing fallout, further fueling her opposition. The county’s shift from coal to new energy-dependent industries has left residents divided, with some welcoming economic opportunities and others fearing unaddressed risks and environmental harm.