Jul 13, 2026 | Posted by Abdul-Rahman Oladimeji
A Native American tribe is opposing plans for a $2.6 billion AI data center near Pocatello, Idaho. Lex Developments plans to build the facility on the site of the former Hoku Materials polysilicon plant in the southeastern Idaho city. The project was denied planning approval in May, but the company has appealed the decision. Ahead of the appeal hearing on Thursday, July 16, the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, whose Fort Hall Reservation is located near the proposed site, reiterated their opposition to the project.
In a statement submitted to the Pocatello City Council, which will decide on the appeal, the Tribes said it was “deeply concerned about the potential impacts of an additional data center in Pocatello City,” and “reaffirms its opposition to constructing a data center within its ceded lands.”
The tribe said the project could increase electricity costs for tribal members and raised concerns about its impact on local water supplies and the environment. If approved, Lex Developments plans to build a seven-building, 100MW campus on the former Hoku Materials site by 2031, according to BoiseDev. The proposal was rejected in May after more than 80 people spoke against it at a public hearing. Hearing examiner Kathleen Lewis denied the application, citing a lack of detail. The former Hoku Materials site is now owned by Portneuf Capital LLC.
