Box Elder County approves 180‑day moratorium on data centers and power plants

Box Elder County commissioners on May 27 adopted Ordinance 6‑54, imposing a temporary moratorium of up to 180 days on new data centers and data‑center power plants so staff and the planning commission can develop permitting standards.

Scott Lyons, Box Elder County community development director, told the commission the moratorium is a short pause allowed by the county land‑use code to "review what, how those should be reviewed and handled, what codes would need to be put in place, what zoning would need to be put in place," and noted the planning commission may consider overlay zones or specific use zones. County Attorney counsel clarified that any application filed before the moratorium proceeds; applications submitted after adoption must be held until the moratorium expires or regulations are adopted.

The vote followed nearly two hours of public comment dominated by concerns about the Stratus project. Supporters of the moratorium urged the county to use the time to study water availability, CO2 and heat impacts, wildlife movement, and infrastructure needs. Jack Strychnie, a Tremonton resident, urged evidence‑based analysis: "Follow the science, the engineering, and the facts wherever they may lead," he said.

Commissioner Perry moved to adopt the ordinance and Commissioner Bingham seconded; the motion passed unanimously. The moratorium will expire after 180 days unless the commission adopts regulations or extends it by formal action.

The county attorney cautioned that applications filed before the moratorium are not retroactively subject to the new rules. The commission did not set an immediate extension or timetable for specific studies; staff were directed to begin work on draft standards and review pathways during the moratorium.