Gov. Spencer Cox weighs into controversy over proposed data center in Box Elder County

Utah Governor Spencer Cox has publicly expressed general support for the controversial Stratos Data Center Project, proposed for a 40,000-acre site in the remote Hansel Valley of western Box Elder County. Speaking at his monthly news conference on April 30, Governor Cox dismissed local concerns about the project, stating that opposition was based on outdated models and "disinformation." He emphasized the state's obligation to allow such developments to ensure the U.S. remains competitive in the technology race. However, the governor's stance contrasts sharply with significant local opposition. On April 27, Box Elder County residents packed a meeting in Tremonton, vocalizing concerns about the project's rapid proposal process and the perceived pressure from state entities, which they believe circumvented local due diligence. Tyler Vincent, chair of the Box Elder County Commission, acknowledged these concerns. Critics also raised questions about the data center's substantial water usage, potential "heat island effect," and impact on air quality and local environmental factors. Backed by Canadian businessman Kevin O’Leary, the Stratos project is projected to consume up to 9 gigawatts of power, more than double Utah's current average usage. This power is intended to be generated on-site by natural-gas-fired plants connected to the Ruby Pipeline, utilizing a "closed-loop" water system. Despite claims of environmental neutrality, critics like Utah State University professors Robert Davies and Patrick Belmont voiced skepticism, highlighting the "New York City scale" power consumption, its associated water demands for power generation, and a carbon footprint equivalent to all vehicles in Utah. The project requires approval of an interlocal agreement between the Box Elder County Commission and the Utah Military Installation Development Authority (MIDA), which has already recommended approval and offered tax incentives to O’Leary Digital. The Box Elder County Commission has tabled its decision and is scheduled to reconsider the data center at a public meeting on Monday, May 4, 2026, in Tremonton.