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BRIGHAM CITY — The Box Elder County Commission on Wednesday unanimously approved a 180-day moratorium on new data centers and data center power plants. While a county lawyer said that the moratorium would not work retroactively, county leaders said it would place on hold any new data center projects as they sought to address issues like zoning and standards while also evaluating potential detrimental effects of data center developments. Though approval of the moratorium took less than five minutes of discussion during Wednesday’s commission meeting, those in attendance took much longer during a public comment period to outline their worries about data centers and specifically the Stratos project, which was unaffected by the moratorium. “Artificial intelligence will destroy our economy, human relationships, along with many other good, high-paying jobs,” said a resident identified as Tom Brady. “Are you willing to sacrifice the citizens of this wonderful community for 30 pieces of silver?” Others raised concerns about the water used by data center developments, as well as leaders’ handling of Stratos. “I think this whole thing is a bunch of bad actors in a comedy reality TV show,” said Shane Jenkins. “We see through it.” Max Hansen followed with a similar perspective. “In my view, you folks have been sacrificial lambs that have been put on the altar by Governor Cox, the MIDA board, the developer, who passed his plan a long time ago,” Hansen said. Others applauded the moratorium, albeit with reservations. “It’s a start, but you’re pushing the barn door closed after the horses are gone,” said Aurellia Saunders. “Or are you planning to approve more data centers?” Jack Stickney said concerns deserve to be heard and met with “factual” answers.” “These developments will occur somewhere,” Stickney said. “Our responsibility is to decide carefully and honestly whether they should occur here and in a manner with our values, our responsibilities and our long-term interests.”
Related: Box Elder County poll finds that large majority, 71% of respondents, oppose data center plans
