Utah Senate president demands 75% reduction in Stratos data center area
Utah Senate President J. Stuart Adams has demanded significant changes to Kevin O'Leary's proposed Stratos data center in Box Elder County, including a 75% reduction in footprint and enhanced environmental protections. Governor Spencer Cox also issued an executive order requiring state agencies to coordinate more closely during the data center proposal review process.
Utah Senate President J. Stuart Adams has sent a letter to entrepreneur Kevin O’Leary, demanding a 75% reduction in the footprint of his proposed Stratos data center in Box Elder County. Adams is also calling for additional environmental protections, greater transparency, and a commitment to protect wildlife and agricultural uses before the project can proceed.
The demands from the state's top lawmaker include a review of the data center's water treatment, a commitment to dedicating water to the Great Salt Lake, and an independent scientific and engineering analysis for incorporating heat-capture technologies. Adams further insisted that O'Leary work with state and federal agencies to ensure the data center surpasses environmental performance requirements and establish a transparent, public-facing website for public access to permitting processes, including water and air quality.
Following these demands, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox announced an executive order. The order directs state agencies to enhance coordination with each other, local governments, and policymakers during the state review process for data center proposals.