Poll shows 7 of 10 Box Elder County voters oppose Stratos Project data center
A new poll indicates that 71% of Box Elder County voters oppose the Stratos Project data center, with 75% disapproving of how county commissioners approved the project. Despite public outcry leading to a reduction in the project's footprint, a referendum application was denied, prompting an appeal to be filed in court. The opposition cites concerns over clean air and scarce water.
A recent poll commissioned by Stewardship Utah and the Box Elder Accountability Referendum (BEAR) campaign reveals significant voter opposition to the proposed Stratos Project data center in Box Elder County, Utah. The survey indicated that 71% of registered voters oppose the project, while 75% disapprove of the Box Elder County commissioners' handling of its approval. Stewardship Utah co-director David Garbett emphasized the overwhelming public concern and belief that voters, not just commissioners, should have the final say.
The controversy deepened as it was disclosed that county commissioners had discussed the data center in two private meetings before public notification. Developers, led by reality television personality Kevin O'Leary, recently announced a more than 50% reduction in the project's original 40,000-acre footprint in Hansel Valley following extensive public outcry.
Despite the public opposition, Box Elder County Attorney Stephen Hadfield denied referendum applications from BEAR that aimed to put the data center project on the ballot. BEAR has since filed an appeal challenging this decision in Utah's First District Court. Brenna Williams, BEAR co-sponsor, reiterated that county residents value clean air, scarce water, and transparent governmental decisions.