Millard County Greenlights Solar Farm for AI Data Centers Amid Public Pushback

DELTA, Utah (ABC4— The Millard County Commission gave approval for the rezoning of thousands of acres of land to accommodate solar projects aimed at supporting AI data centers that are set to arrive in the region, even though a significant number of residents expressed their opposition.

On June 3, 2025, the Millard County Commission approved a rezoning proposal without any opposition, designating more than 1,100 acres of farmland for heavy industrial development. The facility would contain high-density data centers available for lease to leading technology companies for various purposes, such as artificial intelligence.

In November, a a ceremony took place for an artificial intelligence data center complexin Millard County. As stated by Joule Capital Partners, which is developing the center, it is expected to stimulate economic development in the area.

Significantly, numerous locals have voiced worries regarding the land rezoning and the construction of a data center, claiming it may damage the region’s farming and rural essence and potentially impact natural resources and community safety.

On January 21, 2026, the Millard County Commission reviewed a suggestion from Creekstone Energy, a company working on one of the county’s data centers. The proposal requested the council to change the zoning of more than 4,400 acres from agricultural use to forest and grazing land for a solar energy project.

Steve Stouter, a member of the Creekstone Energy council, stated that an earlier request for rezoning was turned down because of worries regarding environmental effects. Their latest proposal includes property on both the eastern and western sides of Highway 50, with a significant portion being School Trust Land managed by the Trust Lands Administration (SITLA).

School Trust Landsare properties managed by the government that can be rented out for energy and mineral exploration, real estate projects, and utilization of surface resources. The income generated from these areas supports Utah’s educational institutions.

Stouter also mentioned that Creekstone has already leased around 1000 acres from SITLA, which is currently designated as forest and grazing land and can be utilized for solar panel installations.

Significantly, there has been debate regarding Creekstone’s purchase of land on the eastern side of the highway because of environmental issues. Nevertheless, Stouter states that they only added the east side to prevent dividing property lots and do not intend to construct there.

Adam Richins, the Millard County Planner, presented the planning commission’s suggestion, which is that the county grants approval for the rezoning request, but solely for property located on the western side. Following his proposal, the council made the ordinance available for public feedback.

Public Comment

The County Commission heard more than an hour of public testimony from locals who shared their views, supporting and opposing the project.

Colin Bennett, a local resident, expressed support for the ordinance. He mentioned, “I’ve attended nearly all of these meetings and the same issues keep arising. I think Creekstone Energy has made all the necessary adjustments to address those concerns.”

Spence Butler, a local farmer and rancher, voiced his disagreement with the ordinance and thinks Creekstone may attempt to expand into areas beyond their initial plan. Butler stated that the company has previously promoted development on much larger land areas than what they currently possess.

If that doesn’t reveal their destination, we’re not paying attention. They won’t be content until they take over the entire eastern side,” he said, continuing, “You all can spray me with your words, but don’t claim it’s rain.

When public land is involved, the effect on the public must be given significant consideration,” stated Whitt Sorenson, a resident of Delta, who also expressed opposition to the ordinance. “Don’t trade the golden goose (our county’s natural resources) for a quick gain when long-term management functions like a reliable savings account.

Another inhabitant, Edria Day, approached and presented images of the flowers, coyotes, and other animals in the region that is undergoing rezoning. She contended that the regulation should not be approved as it would affect wildlife and put pressure on water supplies.

John Nye, the vice chairman of the Millard County Planning and Zoning Commission, addressed the issue and mentioned that the commission has previously given approval to solar farm projects in less noticeable locations. He thinks this proposal would have been accepted if it weren’t in such a prominent area.

However, Nye stated, “In my view, once any solar project is approved for Creekstone Energy, it will likely be sold for the second or third time since this data center initiative was authorized. Creekstone will make their profit, while the people of Miller County will be left dealing with this project for the next 40 years.”

He requested the county commission to reject the ordinance.

Stacy Lake, a different local resident, voiced worries regarding how rezoneing the area might undermine the land’s versatility and questioned what Creekstone would do if its agreement with SITLA expired.

Stouter mentioned that Creekstone is engaged in ongoing discussions with SITLA to guarantee that livestock can access the land for grazing and to establish long-term strategies for handling the solar panels after the lease expires.

Lake mentioned she isn’t entirely against the ordinance, but added, “The county should definitely proceed gradually… if we are going to have something, whether it’s this data center or the other one, the key is that Miller County ends up being the leader, that they are in control, and that we receive the advantages.”

In general, numerous attendees at the city council meeting voiced worries regarding private projects on public land and their ecological effects. The vast majority requested the council to reject the proposal.

Motion passes

Following the public comment period, the county commission reviewed the residents’ issues and considered if the solar panel farm could go beyond 5,000 acres without further infrastructure.

In the end, the commission considered establishing a development agreement.

A development agreement specifies the terms and conditions for a project, enabling Millard County to set requirements for the development. In this scenario, it would replace a zoning change that would permit all types of uses and prevent builders from constructing or developing on other areas of the land.

This doesn’t address everyone’s emotional concerns, but it does offer us some reassurance that the doors aren’t fully open,” said Bill Wright, a commissioner. “We’re going to release three sheep instead of the entire flock.

Creekstone stated, “If we are aware of a path ahead, we won’t hesitate to suggest and collaborate with the county on a development agreement… so that both the local government and the developer understand the guidelines? What do we aim to implement moving forward?”

In the end, the commission approved the motion to rezone the school trust lands as forest and range areas, but requested Creekstone to prepare a development agreement for consideration by the planning commission during their upcoming meeting.

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