Candidates seeking Box Elder Senate seat weigh in on controversial Stratos project

As the November election approaches, the proposed Stratos data center project has become a defining issue for candidates seeking the Box Elder Senate seat. Democratic candidate Claudia Bigler and Forward Party candidate Julie Quinlan have both voiced criticism regarding the massive AI development, citing environmental concerns and potential strains on water and energy resources.

While incumbent Sen. Scott Sandall has declined to comment on the matter, his role in the 2025 legislative session regarding power infrastructure has come under fire. Both challengers have questioned the transparency and vetting processes behind the project, with calls for more comprehensive studies and a potential re-evaluation of the Military Installation Development Authority (MIDA), which has faced intense public scrutiny.

The project’s controversy has already reshaped the local political landscape, leading to the defeat of several incumbent commissioners in primaries. For Box Elder residents, this election cycle represents a critical juncture in deciding how the county balances the rapid influx of large-scale infrastructure projects with long-term environmental sustainability and local community interests.