Former Rep. Jason Chaffetz puts support behind Box Elder County data center
Former Utah Representative Jason Chaffetz has publicly endorsed the controversial Stratos Project data center in Box Elder County, Utah, highlighting its economic benefits and addressing environmental concerns. The project, approved by the Box Elder County Commission, faces resident opposition over its potential impact on water, air quality, and the Great Salt Lake.
Former U.S. Representative Jason Chaffetz has voiced his strong support for the large-scale Stratos Project data center planned for Box Elder County, Utah. Initially concerned about the project's environmental implications, Chaffetz stated that after meeting with developers, his questions were answered, leading him to believe it will be "a huge net positive" for the state.
The project, which was approved by the Box Elder County Commission in partnership with the Military Installation Development Authority (MIDA), is slated for 40,000 acres of land. Despite its approval, the project has drawn significant controversy, with local residents expressing concerns about its impact on Utah's water resources, air quality, and the Great Salt Lake. Investor Kevin O'Leary, who is involved in the project, has also been a vocal defender against criticisms.
Chaffetz highlighted several aspects of the project, including its energy plan to avoid drawing from the existing electrical grid and potentially feed surplus power back, along with utilizing renewable sources. He also noted that the data center would source natural gas from the existing Ruby Pipeline. Regarding water, Chaffetz said developers agreed to pay a premium for existing, low-quality, brackish water rights, ensuring no additional water demand and potentially even increasing water flow to the Great Salt Lake by diverting agricultural use.
Economically, the project is projected to generate over $100 million annually in tax revenue for Box Elder County, exceeding its current annual budget, and hundreds of millions in state sales revenue. Chaffetz also emphasized the project's strategic benefit to Hill Air Force Base, suggesting it would make the base a more attractive asset for the Pentagon and help protect it from future closure threats, thereby supporting northern Utah's economy.