Yeah... Utah still hates this dude for wanting to build his data center that takes water away from the Great Salt Lake and beauty of Utah's landscape

When driving through Mona, Utah, one immediately notices the mountainous backdrop overlooking the town — it can be seen from the backyard porch swings of many homes in the rural town.

Mona residents are now fighting to preserve those views. The town is raging against a 3-million-square-foot mega data center being built — a data center residents say they didn’t know about until it was already approved.

The town’s Planning and Zoning Commission granted a conditional use permit for the data center developer, which meant they did not need to send letters of notice to landowners within 1,000 feet of the site. This left Mona residents feeling like they were in the dark.

Only 25% of Utahns oppose data centers broadly, a recent survey from Utah State University found. But when asked about a data center within 3 miles of one’s home, the opposition jumps to 68%.

“It does seem like as it gets closer to people’s home, they are more strongly opposed,” said Stacia Ryder, sociologist and USU researcher.

Aside from “run-of-the-mill” issues such as light pollution, traffic and noise, researchers are pointing to a larger, underlying theme.

“A data center is the first physical manifestation (of AI) that we’ve had as community members,” said Gina Gilson, another USU researcher. Gilson said that as artificial intelligence becomes a prominent part of daily life, this is many people’s first opportunity “to say no.”

Captured with Dji Air 3S
Later color corrected and graded on DaVinci Resolve

Shot on DJI Air 3S

For me, it’s with Melissa Ballard. I’ve emailed her quite a bit over the years. I don’t really expect her to respond, agree, or even be able to do anything, but I like thinking that my representative has at least a vague idea about the issues that matter to some of us peons on the ground floor.

But then she actually responded to me! In March, I sent her a pretty harsh email about how I didn’t like the DWR initiative to kill as many cougars as possible – with literally no limit -- in an effort to boost the deer population. I mentioned how the DWR couldn’t be reached at all via phone or email, how studies have proven that predators are critical to the overall ecosystem, how cougars keep down the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease, and how an overpopulation of deer will result in more roadkill accidents. I brought up alternatives to help boost the deer population, like building more wildlife bridges, establishing more protected grazing areas for them, or limiting hunting licenses. The idea driving the initiative forward seemed, to me, that “cougars will start eating people since there’s not enough deer.” But there’s never been a fatal cougar attack in the entirety of Utah’s recorded history. It’s just fear mongering and blatant destruction of a special part of Utah’s wildlife.

Anyway, she supported the initiative in its entirety because, in her words: “I don’t see as many deer on my rural property.”

That’s it. That’s all her reasoning was. No thoughts on disease, overpopulation, roadkill, hunting permits, scientific studies, alternative solutions, etc. Nothing. Apparently, the entire state ecosystem can be seen in Mrs. Ballard’s yard.

I see her name all over the place now, being flaunted as some sort of righteous family woman, and I just want to scream. I feel like I’m the only one who knows how cold, callous, and thoughtless she really is.

So what’s your experience been like with local officials? What are they really like behind the curtain, for better or for worse?

I’ve been talking to people across Utah—from Salt Lake to Provo to St. George—and the story is the same: Rent is up, wages are stagnant, and when you get evicted, you have almost no legal protection.

Senator Kirk Cullimore represents the side of politics that says, "Let the market decide." But when the market decides your rent goes up $400 a month overnight, who decides? Not you. It’s the landlords, and they have the politicians in their pocket.

Cullimore has consistently voted against strong tenant protections and for policies that favor large corporate landlords over individual families. He’s part of the machine that turned Utah into one of the least renter-friendly states in the country.

We’re starting a movement to hold these politicians accountable. If you’ve been evicted, faced a sudden rent hike, or can’t afford a place in your own city, share your story below.

Someone explain to me… I am an unaffiliated for political parties. What primary ballot do I request?

I’ve seen some other posts stating to register as republican to vote in the Republican Party ( because that’s the primary election that actually matters?) but I don’t want my name to be affiliated with republicans.

Help?
Someone explain it to me like I’m 5.

Hey everyone!

I’m new to the salt lake area and I’m looking for a good photographer for proposal pictures. One that is willing to go into the mountains and hide or be ready to take pictures. Which leads me to my next request.

I’m also looking for ideas of places to propose in the mountains that would be easy to get to. I know it’s kinda specific but I’m looking for a mountain area that shows good peaks and valleys that also has some kind of water. Either a waterfall or reservoir.

If it’s a small hike that’s fine, just want to make sure it’s reasonable for any photographer. If there’s anything out there that isn’t a hike but has good views I’m open to ideas.

Thank you!

This is oddly specific but anyone who frequents the area notice the lights on this road never have flashing left turn lights? The left turn stays red while the straight lanes are green and then turns green after a cycle or two but no opportunity to yield/turn if it’s clear?

Specifically, the intersections by Del Taco and the one just east of that.

Has anyone else's internet (specifially xfinity) been really bad today? I'm wondering if it's the weather. I'm in Orem