Box Elder County Commission to vote on moratorium on new data centers
The Box Elder County Commission in Utah has enacted a 180-day moratorium on new data centers and data center power plants. This temporary land-use regulation aims to provide the county with time to review and establish specific zoning ordinances, codes, and review standards for such developments. The moratorium applies to all new applications filed after its approval but does not retroactively affect existing applications. During public comment, residents voiced strong opposition to the "Stratos project" and data centers, citing significant concerns about water usage, environmental impacts, and perceived lack of transparency from officials.
The Box Elder County Commission in Utah voted to approve Ordinance 654, enacting a 180-day moratorium on new data centers and data center power plants. Scott Lions, from Fox County Community Development, explained that this temporary land-use regulation allows the county six months to develop specific zoning, codes, and review and approval standards for data center developments. It was clarified that the moratorium applies only to applications filed after its enactment, not to those submitted previously.
During the public comment period, several residents expressed intense opposition to data centers, particularly referencing the "Stratos project." Jack Strickney urged the commission to use the moratorium to gather factual, scientific, and engineering evidence rather than being swayed by fears or emotions, acknowledging legitimate concerns about water, air quality, wildlife, power generation, and infrastructure. Christine Williams highlighted personal struggles with water availability and fire hydrant issues in North Island, questioning how new data center wells could be permitted given existing shortages.
Other speakers, including Tom Brady, advocated for a complete ban on AI data surveillance centers, emphasizing themes of "no implementation without representation" and the importance of environmental impact studies. Diana Hardy Brigham criticized inaccuracies in previous commission minutes and argued that "surveillance centers" violate Fourth Amendment rights. Jane Bill spoke about a lack of trust and transparency, demanding verification of permits and facts.
Concerns were raised about the power sources (existing grid, gas turbines, nuclear) and water sources (rivers, recycling) for data centers, as well as the number and local recruitment for permanent jobs. Shane Jenkins accused the commission of being "blindsided" and voting for the "lesser of two evils," suggesting a lack of transparency regarding project scope. Stephanie Man cited the recent permanent ban on data centers in Monterey Park, California, via ballot initiative, urging the commission to consider a similar resident-driven approach. Max Hansen, while commending the commissioners for their service under stress, laid the blame for the situation at the feet of Governor Cox and the Maya board, criticizing their alleged lack of respect for rural communities. Bridget Cotton condemned the commissioners for prior "condescending and disrespectful" behavior and for enacting the moratorium reactively, calling for genuine listening to constituents and fixing land use codes. Farah Fly, a Tree Mountain resident and mother, expressed her desire for her daughters to see their voices matter and to question authority regarding the approved Strato Status Center.
The commission passed the moratorium with the aim of creating a more robust regulatory framework for future data center development within Box Elder County.