Box Elder and Iron have been busy as county data center pauses start to run out
Data center moratoriums in Box Elder and Iron counties are nearing their 180-day limits as officials develop stricter rules for future projects. Proposed restrictions would address water use, cooling systems, noise, energy infrastructure and public outreach, while opposition continues around projects including Stratos and Project Juniper.
Moratoriums in Box Elder and Iron counties are more than halfway through their 180-day terms as local officials work on rules governing data centers and related power infrastructure. Iron County’s proposed ordinance would impose noise, water-use and public-engagement requirements on larger facilities, limit water consumption to 50,000 gallons per day, and require efficient cooling systems. County planner Brett Hamilton said the proposal attempts to balance the interests of multiple stakeholders and would not apply to the already approved Antelope Data Campus.
In Box Elder County, Community Development Director Scott Lyons said public opposition to the Stratos Project and other development is pushing officials toward highly restrictive regulations. The county hopes to release a draft ordinance for planning commission consideration Nov. 19 and a county commission vote in December, while activists with the Box Elder Accountability Referendum seek a public vote on Stratos. Logan and other Utah cities are also considering or adopting data center rules, with Logan planners proposing size, location and conditional-use limits for future facilities.