Box Elder County delays vote on MIDA data center project, citing transparency concerns

Box Elder County officials have postponed a crucial planning commission vote on the proposed "Stratos" hyperscale data center project, a development backed by investor Kevin O Leary and O Leary Digital. The decision was delayed after county commissioners, including Chair Tyler Vincent and Commissioner Lee Perry, expressed frustration over a lack of transparency and communication from Utah's Military Installation Development Authority (MIDA) and project developers. Around 80 local residents attended the meeting to protest the development, underscoring growing local opposition. The project, described as one of the largest proposed data centers in the country, plans to cover tens of thousands of acres in rural Box Elder County. Initial reports suggest it could eventually consume up to 9 gigawatts of electricity, potentially self-powered by natural gas, and would receive significant tax incentives approved by MIDA. State leaders and MIDA officials have championed the project as a major economic opportunity for artificial intelligence infrastructure. However, county officials indicated they were "blindsided" by the project's scope and MIDA's unique state-granted authority, which allows it to oversee large-scale developments with limited local control. Commissioners stated they needed more time to understand the scale, impacts, and governance structure before moving forward. The delay signals a demand from county leaders for greater public input, answers to key questions, and a more equitable role in the decision-making process for this multibillion-dollar development. A follow-up meeting is scheduled for next Monday, May 4, at the Box Elder County Fairgrounds.