Backers of a massive data center proposed in Box Elder County "fully intend" to submit a new water rights application — this time, under changes to state law that could give them an advantage.

Why it matters: As county officials approved the 60-square-mile project last week, opponents attacked its water application en masse in an attempt to block the proposal.

• The data center, proposed by "Shark Tank" star Kevin O' Leary, is eventually projected to generate and consume more than twice the electricity now used by the entire state.

State of play: The day before the water application for the project was withdrawn, a new GOP-backed state law took effect, limiting the types of objections state officials are allowed to consider when deciding on water rights.

• Meanwhile, the application withdrawal effectively nullified the nearly 4,000 formal objections filed against Stratos' water rights request at a nonrefundable cost of $15 per complaint.

Zoom in: HB 60, passed in February, removed language that previously allowed the state engineer to deny a water rights request based on whether it:

• Would interfere with a more beneficial use of the water, or;
• Would broadly harm the public welfare or unreasonably affect recreation or the natural stream environment.

Now, the state engineer may only consider certain water-specific impacts.

Between the lines: Public welfare was the focus of many of the written objections that flooded the state engineer's office.

• Residents questioned the impact on the dwindling Great Salt Lake, nearby wildlife and air quality and the level of transparency of the fast-moving project.

The other side: "The water rights are being adjusted to fit the project scope and phasing and will be re-submitted," Paul Palandjian, president of O'Leary Digital, said in a prepared statement in response to Axios' interview request.

• Axios didn't receive a reply from the bill's sponsor, Rep. David Shallenberger (R-Orem).

Caveat: It's not clear whether the state engineer would have been allowed to consider those objections against the initial Stratos water rights application.

• That office was set to make a decision after May 6, when the law took effect, though the application and written protests were submitted before that.

Yes, but: Now HB 60 will undoubtedly limit protests against any future water rights change.

• "It would certainly behoove the companies to file [water rights applications] today, because the state engineer has a much different standard to consider these applications than she did a couple months ago," said Kyle Roerink, head of the advocacy group Great Basin Water Network.

What's next

If you're flying Delta from SLC to St. George or Boise, you may want to grab a bite or soda before boarding.

State of play: The airline, which has a major hub in SLC, plans to eliminate food and beverage service in the main cabin on flights under 350 miles starting next Tuesday, Delta confirmed to Axios.

The big picture: Jet fuel — one of airlines' biggest expenses — has surged amid the Iran conflict, pushing up costs and forcing carriers to cut routes, raise fares and rethink service.

The upside: Flights between 350 and 499 miles — think Denver and Las Vegas — will have more drink options moving forward.

And passengers in first class will continue to receive full service on all flights.

Tell a frequent flyer

⚕️ Three Utahns are under quarantine after being exposed to hantavirus on an Atlantic cruise. (KUTV)

👀 U.S. Sen. John Curtis is reportedly mulling a run for governor in 2028. (Politico)

🗳️ A group in Box Elder County has submitted an application to attempt to place a referendum on the ballot to reverse approvals for the data center. (FOX 13)

🥾 Guardsman Pass opened yesterday — earlier than most years — amid summery temperatures. (KSL)

As questions swirl around Utah Gov. Cox's next move, he wants everyone to know he's not eyeing the White House. Really.

State of play: Cox yesterday repeatedly shut down questions — and wisecracks — from the Atlantic's McKay Coppins about a potential presidential run ahead of the release of his book on depolarizing American politics.

• "I'm obviously not running for president," Cox said at the "Atlantic Across America" event with the Deseret News, adding that he says as much in the first line of his upcoming book.
• The governor, who was reelected in 2024, has said he doesn't plan to seek a third term, fueling speculation about a possible path to higher office.

The big picture: Cox's national profile rose when he urged Americans to tone down divisive political rhetoric following the assassination of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University.

What we're watching: His book, "Off Ramp: How to Be a Peacemaker in an Age of Contempt," comes out Sept. 8.

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A new food truck in Salt Lake City is serving up Peruvian and Mexican comfort classics.

Dig in: Latin Truck, parked at 67 W. 1700 South, offers tacos, lomo saltado, salchipapas — a popular Latin American street food made with sliced sausage and fries — and more.

• The kitchen is helmed by first-time chef Brath Llacta Granados, who hails from Peru.
• Many of the dishes are prepared in a wok, a nod to the Chinese influences deeply rooted in many Peruvian dishes.

Best bites: I ordered the truck's charred steak tacos and filling arroz chaufa — Chinese-Peruvian fusion fried rice — that fed me for three meals.

The bottom line: If you find yourself in Ballpark, Latin Truck is a worthy stop for wok-fired dishes and tasty street food.

🌮 You tell us: Where should we Taco Tuesday next?

• Hit reply with the city's best recs!

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