Daily Digest — May 11, 2026
Utah's Stratos Project Advances Amid Intense Environmental and Water Concerns
Box Elder County commissioners have approved the Stratos Project, a massive data center and energy generation complex proposed for 40,000 acres north of the Great Salt Lake. The project, backed by investor Kevin O'Leary and Utah's Military Installation Development Authority (MIDA), includes a planned 9-gigawatt natural gas power plant, according to Coyote Gulch. Governor Spencer Cox has publicly supported data center development in the state.
Environmental groups and researchers have raised significant concerns:
- Utah Clean Energy warns the project could increase the state's carbon emissions by 55% to 75%, according to The Herald Journal
- A Utah State University physics professor estimates a combined thermal load of roughly 16 gigawatts, potentially raising daytime temperatures in Hansel Valley by 2 to 5°F and nighttime temperatures by 8 to 12°F
- A civil and environmental engineering professor at USU highlighted the lack of detailed public information regarding long-term environmental impacts
O'Leary has publicly refuted claims that the project would deplete the Great Salt Lake, calling them "ridiculous" and suggesting the data center could use air-cooling technology, as reported by KUTV. He stated that water would actually be added to the lake under the facility's existing water rights.
A water rights application seeking to convert 1,900 acre-feet of agricultural water for industrial use was met with thousands of public protests before the developer withdrew it, with plans to refile, according to KUTV. State engineers have stated that any approved water use must not exceed the historical consumption tied to the property. The project must undergo multiple stages of environmental review, including public comment periods and hearings.
Kevin O’Leary refutes claims that data center would drain Great Salt Lake
KUTV 2 News Salt Lake City
Box Elder County approves Stratos data center project despite intense opposition
coyotegulch.blog
Utah natural resources chief addresses water concerns about data center proposal
KUTV 2 News Salt Lake City
Stratos Project unknowns raise environmental concerns
The Herald Journal
New Utah Law Complicates Opposition to Box Elder County Data Center
Utah's recently enacted HB60, designed to expedite water delivery to the Great Salt Lake, went into effect this week and has raised concerns among opponents of the Stratos Project data center, according to KSL TV 5. Thousands of residents actively protesting the data center's water rights fear the new law's timing could complicate their formal protest efforts.
Charlotte Council to Discuss Data Center Moratorium Amid Mayoral Transition
The Charlotte City Council has a scheduled discussion on a proposed moratorium on data centers during an upcoming Monday meeting, as reported by WCNC. The proposed moratorium would halt new data center development for up to six months while city staff finalize regulations addressing water and energy consumption. The discussion is not slated for a vote or public comment.
The agenda item comes as Mayor Vi Lyles has announced her resignation effective June 30, leaving the council to appoint a successor. A public hearing for a proposed data center in east Charlotte is scheduled for the following Monday.
Residents near the east Charlotte site have voiced strong opposition, with advocacy group Action NC pushing for stronger regulations and a possible moratorium, according to WCNC. The group notes that despite Charlotte hosting around 40 data centers, there are currently no clear local guidelines on permissible water or energy consumption for these facilities.
Cleveland Considers One-Year Data Center Moratorium After Surprise Slavic Village Permit
A permit for a proposed $1.6 billion hyperscale data center in Cleveland's Slavic Village neighborhood was quietly filed, catching city officials by surprise, according to Signal Cleveland. The two-story, 300,000-square-foot facility prompted Mayor Justin Bibb to acknowledge residents' concerns via social media.
Ward 15 Council Member Charles Slife introduced legislation in late April proposing a one-year moratorium on new data center developments. The legislation is currently under discussion within the Council. A Council spokesperson stated that the body must conduct due diligence to ensure data centers do not overburden the city's power grid, water system, or local neighborhood resources.
Laramie County Fast-Tracks 5,600-Worker Housing for Cheyenne Data Center Boom
Laramie County officials are advancing plans for an 800-unit worker housing facility near Cheyenne, Wyoming, designed to accommodate up to 5,600 workers supporting data center and AI construction projects, according to Cowboy State Daily. The camp would be larger than 84 of Wyoming's 99 incorporated cities or towns.
The developer, Iron Guard Housing, applied to build on unincorporated county land in the High Plains Business Park, adjacent to a Meta data center already under construction. The project is intended to serve the workforce for multiple projects, including the Tallgrass-Crusoe Project Jade, an AI data center potentially consuming 2.7 gigawatts.
Residents near the proposed site have raised concerns about:
- Increased crime and traffic
- Strain on utilities and public safety resources
- Negative effects on property values
County and city leaders are discussing a partnership for city water and sewer services. A public hearing before the Laramie County Planning Commission is scheduled for Thursday.
