Protesters raise concerns about water, transparency with proposed data center
Hundreds of protesters gathered at the Utah State Capitol to oppose the proposed Stratos data center project in Box Elder County. Opponents cite concerns over water usage, power demand, and a lack of transparency in the county's approval process. A referendum effort is now being prepared to challenge the county's decision to move the project forward.
Hundreds of residents and advocacy groups, including Box Elder Accountability Referendum (BEAR), gathered at the Utah State Capitol in Salt Lake City to protest the proposed Stratos data center project in Box Elder County. Opponents voiced concerns over the project's potential impact on water resources and power demand, as well as a perceived lack of transparency in the approval process.
The protest follows a contentious Box Elder County meeting earlier this month where county leaders approved advancing the project, despite significant public opposition. Patrick Belmont, a water and climate expert from Utah State University, highlighted worries about the speed and scale of decisions surrounding such developments.
Shannon Barton of BEAR stated that the group felt unheard by county officials and is now organizing a referendum effort. They aim to collect approximately 7,000 signatures from Box Elder County voters within 45 days to challenge the county's approval process. State leaders and project supporters maintain that this is not final approval and further reviews and permitting are still required.