Breathe Utah is addressing growing concerns among Utahns regarding the proposed Stratos project. The organization reports receiving questions from a diverse group of stakeholders, including ranchers, sportsmen, local residents, business leaders, and public health advocates.
The project is expected to face a long process before construction begins, but decisions made now could impact Utah's air, water, wildlife, energy future, and rural communities for generations. Breathe Utah is urging citizens to stay informed and engage early in the process to ensure the project meets standards expected of major industrial developments.
Key areas of concern identified by the organization include air quality and backup power, natural gas supply and methane intensity, water demand and drought resilience, environmental review transparency, wildlife and land use, and community governance. Specific questions have been raised regarding the use of diesel backup generators, the cumulative impact of emissions on an already stressed airshed, and the impact of the project on migratory corridors and sagebrush habitats in western Box Elder County.
Regarding water rights, a previous change application (a54385) to convert approximately 1,900 acre-feet per year from agricultural to industrial use for the project was withdrawn in May 2026 following thousands of protests. The underlying water right, 13-41-4148, remains an existing 1904 Salt Wells Spring Stream right held by Bar H Ranch, Inc. A second water rights application has since been filed for the Stratos Project, with a protest period that ended in June 2026.
Community members can engage with various entities to voice concerns, including the Box Elder County Commissioners, the Box Elder County Planning Commission, the Utah Division of Water Rights, the Utah Division of Water Quality, and the Military Installation Development Authority.
