A study said Stratos' emissions could impact the West — but developers dispute findings

A new study released on October 29, 2026, by EmPower Analytics Group, funded by the Natural Resources Defense Council, suggests that air quality emissions from the proposed Stratos data center in Box Elder County could significantly impact public health across the Western U.S. The study estimates potential health costs ranging from $25 million to $230 million annually, attributing these to possible premature deaths, new child asthma cases, nonfatal heart attacks, and lost work days, depending on the energy generation technology used.

Stratos representatives, including Paul Palandjian, strongly dispute these findings, labeling the study's conclusions as "irresponsible" and based on "incorrect assumptions not based on actual plans." The massive data center project, developed by Kevin O’Leary and overseen by MIDA, has faced public backlash since its approval in late April, with local groups like the Box Elder Accountability Referendum raising continuous concerns over its water usage, air quality implications, and uncertain economic benefits. The study highlights that the project's projected 9 gigawatts of power could generate twice as much electricity as all of Utah’s power plants combined in 2024, with emissions varying significantly based on the type of natural gas turbines or reciprocating engines employed.

For the Box Elder community, this study adds another layer of environmental and economic concern to an already controversial project. While Stratos maintains that their design includes emissions reduction and heat capture, and commits to evaluating renewable sources for future buildouts, the uncertainty surrounding the specific power generation equipment and its environmental footprint remains a major point of contention. The ongoing debate underscores the community's desire for transparency and accountability regarding the project's long-term impacts on local air quality and overall public health, urging policymakers to weigh all evidence carefully.