- Box Elder County commissioners approved a 180-day moratorium on development of new data centers.
- The controversial Stratos project, which has prompted strong backlash from some, is exempt from the moratorium.
- Officials aim to study land-use codes and data center guidelines during the pause.
SALT LAKE CITY — As the debate over the Stratos Project Area simmers, Box Elder County commissioners approved a 180-day moratorium on development of any new data centers.
The officials unanimously approved the temporary halt on Wednesday to give them time to more thoroughly study guidelines for data center development going forward. The 180-day moratorium does not impact the controversial Stratos project. But the commissioners said the project raised issues about land-use codes and other things that need to be better addressed should new data center proposals emerge.
"The ordinance does not permanently prohibit data centers. Rather, it establishes a temporary planning period to allow for research, analysis, public participation and policy development before any long-term decisions are made," the county said in a statement. The wording of the new ordinance cites "a compelling, countervailing public interest" to take action.
Andrew Adams, KSLPer the decision, Box Elder County staff and elected leaders will consider potential changes to the county's land-use code governing data centers and affiliated infrastructure, including data center power plants. The study would focus on potential development on both zoned and unzoned land in unincorporated Box Elder County. Any changes would have to go through the normal legislative process for approval.
Wednesday's gathering drew a large crowd, with many people addressing the Stratos project, which has spurred sharp backlash from some, during the public comment portion of the meeting.
Some cautiously applauded the moratorium, while others reiterated some of the worries that have emerged about the Stratos project.
The long-range Stratos plan calls for the development of a data center and up to 9 gigawatts of power-generating capacity to serve the operation. Critics see the development as an economic driver and a key to national security, while foes worry about the water it will consume and other environmental impacts. They also blast what they view as the rushed process that led to its approval.
