I am a native Utahn, born and raised in Davis County. Over the years, I have watched the Great Salt Lake shrink and seen the increasing pollution clot up our air. The delicate balance of our ecosystem is already teetering on the edge, and now we face another potential threat with the proposed hyperscale data center (Project Stratos) in Box Elder County.

With no local input for the past several months Utah state authorities have been discussing the project behind closed doors and only a few weeks ago made the Box Elder County authorities aware of the project. Since then Box Elder County Commissioners have been pressured to make their approval decision quickly despite the lack of information. 

On Monday May 4 the Box Elder County Commissioners are slated to vote to approve or deny the project. The data center, while promising economic benefits, also presents serious environmental concerns.

We demand that the decision to approve this hyperscale data center be paused. This decision cannot be taken lightly, as it could forever alter our water resources, air quality, and the well-being of local communities.

It is crucial to conduct independent and formal evaluations of its environmental and water impact before moving forward. Vague reassurances from the company behind the project that stands to make billions of dollars are not good enough. The citizens of Utah deserve a thorough assessment of potential effects; from the projected water usage, possible increase in pollution, increase in energy demand, and any other possibly irreversible damage to our ecosystem. Given the ongoing struggle with water scarcity and pollution, particularly affecting the Great Salt Lake, it is imperative that decisions of this magnitude are informed by rigorous, unbiased analysis. The residents of Utah, the local communities, and future generations deserve a commitment to sustainable development and the preservation of our natural resources.

Additionally the company behind the project has been offered significant tax incentives that will reduce the economic benefit it would bring to the state. This means that the population of Utah will not see the majority of the economic benefit from the project, but will still have to deal with any fallout from the structure and its impact on our state.

By signing this petition, you stand for a Utah that values its environmental treasures and the health of its people. Demand the Commissioners pause the project's approval until independent environmental and water impact reviews are completed and made public for all to see.

Join us in urging the decision-makers to take a step back and prioritize a transparent, careful, and deliberate decision-making process that puts the well being of Utahns over corporate profits or special interests.

Utahns are watching how our elected officials react to our concerns and how carefully they fight to safeguard our future and the future of our children and this beautiful state.

Sign this petition to ensure a sustainable future for Utah and protect the lands and resources we hold dear. Your voice is vital in this call for responsible action.