In response to public pressure, Senate President wants data center footprint shrunk
Utah's Senate President J. Stuart Adams is calling for significant changes to a massive data center project in Box Elder County, backed by celebrity investor Kevin O'Leary, due to public opposition. He demands a 75% reduction in footprint, dedication of excess water to the Great Salt Lake, and further environmental mitigation. Concurrently, Governor Cox has issued an executive order to establish guardrails for future data center projects.
Utah Senate President J. Stuart Adams has called for a dramatic reduction in the scope of the "Stratos Project," a proposed nine-gigawatt data center in Box Elder County, following significant public backlash. In a letter to celebrity investor Kevin O'Leary, who is funding the project, Sen. Adams demanded the data center's footprint be shrunk by 75%, from 40,000 acres to 10,000 acres.
Adams, who also chairs the Military Installation Development Authority (MIDA) which approved the project, is seeking further environmental mitigation and a commitment to dedicate any excess water to the Great Salt Lake, regardless of its current flow. This move comes as Sen. Adams faces a primary election and increased scrutiny over MIDA's authority to fast-track projects.
Separately, Utah Governor Cox has issued an executive order establishing new regulations and guidelines for future data center developments across the state, signaling a broader government response to concerns over resource consumption and environmental impact.