Lawmaker defends renewable-energy data work, says Box Elder project had flawed process

A questioner pressed the candidate about alleged personal profit tied to a data-center project. The candidate acknowledged he received stock options from a start-up that worked on a renewable-energy project in southern Utah but said the options are illiquid and that he could not sell them. He framed his involvement as work to advance renewable energy rather than private enrichment.

"They paid me some stock options... those are illiquid. I can't sell them," the lawmaker said, adding he was proud of efforts to help projects rely more on renewables. He also said he opposed the Box Elder data center because the public process was flawed, because projects in the Great Salt Lake watershed should minimize water use, and because the project's location raised concerns. He said he had previously fought and stopped a data center and worked to make other projects "better."