The Race to Build AI Data Centers — Before the People Can Protest
Communities across the U.S. are pushing for moratoriums on data center developments due to environmental concerns. A significant project in Utah, backed by Kevin O'Leary, has sparked protests over its potential impact on water resources in a drought-affected area. Critics argue that the push for such projects is driven by national security narratives that overlook local ecological needs.
- ▪Residents in various states are demanding a halt to data center construction amid environmental worries.
- ▪Kevin O'Leary is promoting a large data center project in Utah, dismissing local concerns as misinformed.
- ▪The proposed Utah project could exacerbate water scarcity and increase fracking activities in the region.
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The Race to Build AI Data Centers — Before the People Can Protest From Utah to Georgia, communities are demanding data center moratoriums as concerns move from local zoning fights into national politics. The Intercept Briefing May 29 2026, 6:00 a.m. Share Copy link Share on Facebook Share on Bluesky Share on X Share on LinkedIn Share on WhatsApp Photo: Natalie Behring/Getty Images Shark Tank’s Kevin O’Leary has been making the media rounds defending the 40,000-acre data center project he’s backing in northern Utah.
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