Lex Developments Data Center, Pocatello, Idaho

Lex Developments' proposed AI data center at the former Hoku plant, 1800 River Park Way in Pocatello, remains blocked. On September 17, the City Council again upheld the May denial of a conditional use permit, voting 3–2 on the company's request for reconsideration. The council waived the usual 12-month wait to reapply, so Lex can submit another application even though this one was denied.

The proposal called for seven buildings and 100 megawatts of power by 2031; that figure is a plan, not power in use today. The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes opposed the permit after reviewing the application and hearing testimony. They said Lex had not supplied enough information to judge possible effects on electricity rates, water use and the nearby Portneuf River. Council member Ann Swanson also cited the lack of detail about the project's effects when explaining her September vote.

Lex argued that the site's industrial zoning did not require a conditional use permit. A motion to grant one failed 3–2 before the council voted to uphold the denial and let Lex reapply sooner. The council's decision is scheduled to become official on October 1, 2026. When it becomes official, Lex will have 28 days to seek judicial review.