Expect the Data Center Backlash To Get Worse

The Box Elder County Commission recently approved a massive 40,000-acre data center project, named Project Stratos, in Tremonton, Utah, despite strong opposition from local residents. The project, backed by celebrity billionaire Kevin O'Leary, is slated to provide data services to the military and is significantly larger than Manhattan. During the commission meeting, which had to be moved due to the large crowd, attendees chanted "shame" at commissioners who ultimately voted in favor of the development. Commissioner Tyler Vincent defended the decision by emphasizing property rights, stating that owners should be able to do what they wish with their land. The article notes that this approval comes amidst a growing national backlash against data centers. A Heatmap News analysis found 20 data center projects canceled in the first quarter of 2026 due to local opposition, doubling the previous record. Critics often cite NIMBYism and general techphobia, despite arguments that data centers have limited negative impacts on traffic, noise, and local services. Regarding environmental concerns, Project Stratos plans to build an on-site natural gas plant for its power needs and purchase existing water rights, aiming to avoid increasing overall water consumption. Despite these mitigation efforts and the project's approval, the intense public anger surrounding the decision suggests the trend of increasing opposition to data center development is likely to continue.