Utah Residents Protest Large AI Data Center Approval Over Environmental and Energy Concerns

Hundreds of Utah residents have gathered at the state Capitol to protest the approval of the Stratos AI datacenter. The proposed facility is slated to be massive, reportedly twice the size of Manhattan, and is projected to consume more than twice the power of the entire state of Utah, necessitating a new gas power plant. Critics warn of significant ecological and environmental impacts, including a potential 50% increase in Utah's carbon emissions, a rise in surrounding valley temperatures by up to 12ºF, and increased strain on water resources in a drought-stricken area. Opponents argue that local officials approved the project without adequately considering residents' concerns, claiming that nearly all submitted public comments were against the project. Kevin O’Leary, a backer of the project, controversially suggested that the protesters were being bused in and paid. However, a Utah-based ecologist expressed skepticism, viewing the project as an out-of-state megaproject with little regard for the local community.