Gov. Cox acknowledges concerns about Box Elder Co. data center, outlines actions being taken by state

Utah Governor Spencer J. Cox has for the first time publicly addressed concerns regarding the Stratos Project, a large-scale data center development approved by the Box Elder County Commission in partnership with the Military Installation Development Authority (MIDA). The governor acknowledged significant public outcry, particularly regarding the project's rapid approval process and residents' unaddressed concerns about environmental impacts, including water usage, air quality, energy consumption, and land use in rural Utah. In response, Governor Cox announced several state-level actions and developer commitments. The developer has agreed to a phased approval approach, with the initial phase capped at 1.5 gigawatts of power and a data center footprint under 2,000 acres, ensuring future phases are contingent on meeting specific metrics. Cox directed the Utah Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to thoroughly review all air permits and the Utah Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to ensure the use of environmentally sensitive cooling technology to protect the Great Salt Lake. The developer is also required to create a publicly available water plan guaranteeing no reduction of water flow to the lake. Furthermore, the project developer has committed to pursuing renewable energy, energy storage, nuclear, or other low-emission solutions, with the Utah Public Service Commission directed to ensure the project does not raise energy costs for Utahns. Governor Cox also emphasized that increased tax revenue from the project should benefit Box Elder County residents through local services, schools, and lower property taxes, and support military infrastructure at Hill Air Force Base.