Box Elder officials override protests to okay proposed data center in remote Hansel Valley

The Box Elder County Commission in Utah has approved the controversial "Stratos Project," a proposed data center and large-scale natural gas-fired power plant in the remote Hansel Valley, despite vocal opposition from over 600 residents. Commission Chair Tyler Vincent, alongside commissioners Boyd Bingham and Lee Perry, oversaw a tense public meeting in Tremonton on May 4, which required a significant police presence due to the hostile crowd. The project, backed by Canadian businessman Kevin O’Leary, encompasses 40,000 acres and is expected to consume up to 9 gigawatts of power, more than double Utah's current average usage. Project plans include generating its own power via agreements with the Ruby natural gas pipeline to avoid impacting the regional grid, and drawing mineral water from wells for cooling purposes. Opponents raised concerns about water usage, impact on the Great Salt Lake, drought conditions, and air quality. Commissioner Perry stated that the commission had little choice but to approve the interlocal agreement with the state's Military Installation Development Authority (MIDA) because the project area is privately owned and unzoned. However, officials did incorporate guardrail provisions, including restrictions on noise levels, building heights, compliance with "dark sky" regulations, and local landowner representation on the development review committee. Box Elder County officials anticipate significant financial benefits, including $30 million per year in tax revenue during construction and $108 million at full build-out, along with over 2,000 new jobs. Despite the approval, protestors vowed to seek a recall of the commissioners, though Utah law does not permit such action. Officials pledged continued oversight and transparency as the project progresses.