Utah's new data center plan has people worried. What's real and what isn't?

Box Elder County commissioners unanimously approved plans for the 40,000-acre Stratos Project data center in Hansel Valley, Utah, on May 4. The project, backed by "Shark Tank" investor Kevin O'Leary and estimated to cost over $100 billion, has immediately drawn concern from Utah residents and national groups regarding its potential impact on the Great Salt Lake, energy costs, and water usage. Governor Spencer Cox has stated the project will be built out gradually, with approvals for one phase at a time. He defended the county's decision, emphasizing the need for innovation while protecting Utah's land, air, water, and way of life. However, House Speaker Mike Schultz distanced himself from O'Leary's claims of early legislative support, saying he wasn't aware of the project until recently. The Stratos Project will be split into three parcels, requiring 9 gigawatts of energy, with power expected to be generated onsite. Developers have committed to a closed-loop cooling system to conserve water and will use a variety of power sources including renewables, energy storage, and nuclear, in addition to natural gas. Governor Cox has tasked the Utah Department of Natural Resources with ensuring environmental protection and public water reporting, specifically guaranteeing no reduction in water to the Great Salt Lake. The Military Installation Development Authority (MIDA) also approved the project, citing its benefits for national security and military readiness, particularly supporting Hill Air Force Base and the Utah National Guard. While public comments at the April 23 commission meeting mostly supported the project for its economic benefits to Box Elder County, a subsequent May 4 meeting saw protesters shouting in opposition. A group of voters from Box Elder County has applied to add a referendum to the November ballot to overturn the commission's approval, which is currently undergoing legal review and requires over 5,000 signatures.