Poll shows majority of Box Elder County residents oppose Stratos data center
A new poll indicates that 71% of Box Elder County residents oppose the proposed Stratos data center, with environmental impact, lack of process, and tax breaks cited as concerns. The Utah Civic Compact has filed a complaint with the Utah Attorney General's Office alleging a conflict of interest involving Commissioner Boyd Bingham. In response to public feedback, Box Elder County is also considering a 180-day moratorium on all data center developments to establish new zoning and development standards.
A recent poll commissioned by Stewardship Utah and the Boxelder Accountability Referendum reveals that a significant majority of Box Elder County residents oppose the proposed Stratos data center. The poll, conducted by an independent firm, found 71% of registered voters against the project, with only 22% in support. David Garbett, co-director of Stewardship Utah, indicated that concerns primarily revolve around environmental impact, lack of due process, and tax breaks.
Separately, the Utah Civic Compact has filed a complaint with the Utah Attorney General's Office. This complaint alleges a conflict of interest involving Box Elder Commissioner Boyd Bingham, who reportedly sits on the board of directors of Western A Credit, a company that holds a deed of trust on land within the Stratos project area. The complaint states that Commissioner Bingham did not disclose this potential conflict when voting to approve the data center project.
In response to considerable public pushback and feedback regarding the Stratos project, Box Elder County is now considering a 180-day moratorium on all data center-related developments. The county aims to use this pause to establish new zoning and development standards for such projects. The county commission is scheduled to vote on the proposed moratorium during a public hearing tomorrow.