Independent · Local · Community-first
Utah Nursery Faces Boycott Calls Over Massive Data Center Project
The backlash comes after State Sen. Jerry Stevenson, who owns J&J Nursery, voted as part of the board that approved the massive Utah data center proposal.
A Layton nursery owned by a Utah lawmaker and MIDA board member is facing growing calls for a boycott following the approval of a controversial data center project in Box Elder County.
J&J Nursery and Garden Center became the focus of online backlash after social media users linked owner and State Sen. Jerry Stevenson to the recent approval of the proposed hyperscale data center campus near Snowville and Tremonton. Stevenson serves on the board of the Military Installation Development Authority, also known as MIDA, which voted in support of the project.
Posts circulating online encouraged Utahns to take their business elsewhere, with some users criticizing the decision to move forward with the large-scale development despite public opposition voiced during recent meetings.
The proposed project, backed by investor Kevin O’Leary, could eventually generate up to 9 gigawatts of power and has drawn attention over concerns involving water usage, environmental impact, and the future of the surrounding area.
J&J Nursery responded publicly to the criticism, asking people not to direct frustration toward employees. In a statement shared online, the business said it understands that many people have strong opinions regarding recent public decisions but urged the public to continue treating workers with respect.
Stevenson declined to comment further when asked about the boycott efforts.
The controversy surrounding the project has continued to grow online following Box Elder County’s approval of the development earlier this week.
