‘Shark Tank’ star Kevin O’Leary defends Utah data center project amid backlash

The Box Elder County Commission in Utah has approved a large-scale data center project, despite public backlash and environmental concerns. Kevin O'Leary, a prominent investor and former "Shark Tank" star, who is the lead investor in the project, defended its environmental considerations in a social media post. O'Leary stated that sustainability is central to the project and emphasized the use of advanced technology for power generation, including air-cooled turbines, solar, wind, and more efficient battery technology. He also claimed that the majority of protestors do not reside in Utah or Box Elder County. The Utah Department of Natural Resources (DNR) addressed concerns about the data center's projected water use, insisting that maintaining and restoring the Great Salt Lake remains a top priority. The DNR reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the lake receives the necessary water to remain healthy long-term.