Box Elder County AI data center approved, what comes next?

After Box Elder County Commissioners approved the 40,000-acre, 9-gigawatt Stratos Project AI data center, residents are seeking more transparency and exploring options to slow down data center development statewide. The project is expected to be built in phases over the next decade. Stratos Project developer Kevin O'Leary addressed environmental concerns on social media, emphasizing the project's focus on sustainability regarding air, water use, heat, noise, and pollution. However, residents in Brigham City and Tremonton remain concerned about the impact on the Great Salt Lake and its species, expressing frustration over a perceived lack of information from project leaders and Utah politicians. Christine Neilson and a group of residents met at the courthouse hoping to initiate a referendum, but were informed that such an option is not available at the county level for this type of project. They are now exploring state-level initiatives to generally slow data center development and are seeking an attorney to assist them. For now, construction will not begin immediately as the developer is still fundraising and plans to host community town halls. County commissioners noted that the issuance of the first building permit will trigger the Utah Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to conduct necessary studies. Residents hope these environmental impact studies and other information will be publicly released before ground is broken.