Why Utah’s massive new data center plan has drawn such a backlash
Utah officials have approved the 'Stratos Project,' a massive 40,000-acre data center in Box Elder County, despite significant public opposition over environmental and community impact concerns. The project, backed by investor Kevin O'Leary and Governor Spencer Cox, is framed as vital for national security and AI competitiveness with China. It is expected to consume up to 9 gigawatts of power, nearly matching New York City's peak usage, and will be fueled by a natural gas pipeline rather than the public grid.
- ▪The Box Elder County Commission approved the 'Stratos Project' on May 4, 2026, a 40,000-acre data center near the Great Salt Lake.
- ▪The facility is projected to consume nearly 9 gigawatts of electricity and will be powered by the Ruby Pipeline, not the public power grid.
- ▪A Gallup poll found that 70% of Americans oppose AI data centers being built in their local communities, with 48% strongly opposed.
- ▪Governor Spencer Cox supports the project, citing national security and competition with China as key reasons.
- ▪Kevin O'Leary, the primary investor, claims sustainability is central to the project and holds an environmental studies degree.
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Despite growing resistance from residents and environmental advocates, Utah officials moved forward with plans for a massive data center project that is poised to be one of the largest in the country. In the far northwestern corner of Utah, the Box Elder County Commission on May 4 approved a data center project dubbed “Stratos Project.” However, the project has since received major public pushback, with residents raising concerns over its environmental impacts on the area. Recommended Stories Chris Wright clarifies prediction that gas prices peaked as Iran war rages on US removes highly enriched uranium from Venezuelan research reactor EPA seeks to roll back Biden power plant wastewater standards The growing resistance from residents in the county represents a broader movement by…
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