Application for water rights for Box Elder County data center withdrawn, sacred land at risk

The company responsible for the controversial Stratos Project data center in Box Elder County, Utah, has withdrawn its application for water rights. This decision came the day after a highly attended county commission meeting where significant public opposition was voiced. Darren Parry, former chairman of the Northwestern Band of the Shoshone Nation, expressed that while the withdrawal is a positive step, more effort is needed to protect the land, which is considered sacred by many. He highlighted that nearly 4,000 people formally protested the application with the Division of Water Rights. Despite the withdrawal, Bar H Ranch, the company involved, stated its intention to resubmit the application "in a timely manner with additional supporting information." Ben Abbott, Executive Director of Grow the Flow, criticized this move, calling it a "breach of trust" and suggesting it reflects a large-scale project with little regard for the local community. Parry hopes the ongoing public pushback will prompt thorough environmental reviews to assess the project's true impact and ensure future generations can enjoy the land.