You may have heard about the proposed mega data center being considered in Box Elder County. This project, already approved by MIDA (Utah’s Military Installation Development Authority), appears to be quickly accelerating and is up for a vote today with the Box Elder County Commission.
What is it?
The proposal, dubbed the “Stratos Project,” is a large data center and energy campus that would be built on about 40,000 acres of unincorporated land in Hansel Valley, Box Elder County. The development would power AI, cloud computing, and military defense systems.
The impact
If the project moves forward, the facility is expected to generate and consume more than twice Utah’s current average electricity use. The facility is also expected to purchase around 3,000 acre-feet of water rights, coupled with another 10,000 acre-feet already under contract. Together, that’s the equivalent of the indoor water needs of 20,000 Utah homes.
Given Utah’s current environmental crisis, including severe stress on water resources and the Great Salt Lake, this project is not feasible in our state. I strongly oppose it.
What can be done?
Later today, the Box Elder County Commission will meet to discuss the project and whether to approve the applicable resolutions — Resolution #26-12, Interlocal Agreement #26-15, and Resolution #26-11.
Today’s meeting is critical to whether the project will have the authority to move forward. You can attend the meeting this afternoon or submit comments online.
🗓️ When: May 4, 2026, 4:00 pm (a protest is planned before the meeting at 3:00 pm)
📍 Where: BEC Fairgrounds Fine Arts Bldg — 320 N 1000 W, Tremonton Utah
✍️ Submit comments or questions via this link
You can also contact the Box Elder County Commissioners directly and let them know how you feel about the project:
- Boyd Bingham: bbingham@boxeldercountyut.gov
- Lee Perry: lbperry@boxeldercountyut.gov
- Tyler Vincent: tvincent@boxeldercountyut.gov
Finally, you can file a protest against the Box Elder Data Center water rights application following this step-by-step guide (be sure to file by May 5).
I’ll continue to speak out against this proposed mega data center and for meaningful solutions to conserve our water and protect the Great Salt Lake.
In solidarity,
Stephanie