‘Box Elder Accountability Referendum’ seeks to gather signatures on data center proposal

In Box Elder County, Utah, a massive data center project, dubbed the 'Stratos project,' has garnered significant attention, with celebrity backer Kevin O’Leary noting its rapid progression. O'Leary, speaking to the MIDA board on April 24th, emphasized the competitive nature of the data center market and the project's potential. The MIDA board and the county commission have both approved the project. However, local residents, including Brigham City's Brenna Williams, feel disenfranchised, stating they had no voice in the project's swift approval. Williams is a lead sponsor of the 'Box Elder Accountability Referendum' group, which has filed referendums on two resolutions passed by the county commission, seeking to gather roughly 5,400 signatures from county voters if approved to proceed. The county attorney's office has 20 days to decide if the group can begin collecting signatures. Amidst local concerns, Utah's governor has laid out new standards for the project. These standards include a phased development approach, with the initial phase capped at 1.5 gigawatts and less than 2,000 acres, and a requirement for developers to publish a water study demonstrating no degradation to the Great Salt Lake. O'Leary, in an interview, dismissed environmental worries, stating the project aims to be an example of sustainable development. Locals, however, remain committed to having their voices heard on the project's impact on their way of life.