Box Elder County data center opponents pursuing ballot initative to challenge plans

Opponents of the proposed Stratos Project data center in Box Elder County, Utah, are actively challenging county resolutions that approved the controversial plans. A referendum application has been submitted to allow voters to decide whether to repeal Resolution 26-11, one of two measures passed by Box Elder County Commissioners. Aubri Devashrayee, involved with the environmental advocacy coalition, stated that a challenge to the second resolution, 26-12, which approves an interlocal agreement with Utah's Military Installation Development Authority (MIDA), is also underway. The Box Elder County Clerk, Marla Young, confirmed that the initial referendum application is under review by the County Attorney's and Auditor's offices to ensure it meets state law requirements. The Stratos project, proposed by Canadian businessman Kevin O'Leary and O'Leary Digital, aims to build a data center to support U.S. military AI and cloud computing, along with up to 9 gigawatts of power generation capacity on 40,000 acres. MIDA is collaborating with O'Leary Digital, offering development terms and tax incentives. Despite proponents arguing minimal water usage, the project has sparked significant backlash over potential environmental impacts, especially concerns about water consumption and its effect on the Great Salt Lake, which could lead to increased arsenic and toxins. Opponents demonstrated at the county commission meeting where the resolutions were passed and are now following state code to force a public referendum. If the application is approved, they would need to collect 5,422 signatures from Box Elder County registered voters for each petition within 45 days. The County Clerk would then have 30 days to verify signatures to determine if the questions will appear on an election ballot, potentially the November 3 general election.