Kevin O'Leary's Utah Data Center Project Faces Backlash Amidst Litigation
Kevin O'Leary's proposed Project Stratos, a large data center in Box Elder County, Utah, faces significant local opposition and ongoing litigation despite initial government approval. The project has sparked environmental concerns, particularly regarding the Great Salt Lake's watershed and massive power demands, leading to the ousting of supporting politicians. O'Leary has acknowledged communication failures and plans to submit permit applications amidst efforts to win over the state.
Kevin O'Leary, known from "Shark Tank," is facing intense local opposition and ongoing litigation for his proposed Project Stratos, a massive data center development in Box Elder County, Utah. The project, located near the shrinking Great Salt Lake, initially received quiet approval in May, leading to the defeat of several supporting politicians in subsequent primaries, including the president of the state Senate.
Critics, including Dr. Robert Davies of Utah State University, express severe environmental concerns about the project's scale, particularly its potential consumption of up to 9 gigawatts of power and its impact on the Great Salt Lake's watershed through increased heat and evaporation. O'Leary initially planned for 40,000 acres, later scaling it back by half. He has admitted to MS NOW that his company "screwed this up" by failing to communicate adequately with locals and plans to submit permit applications to provide more information.
In contrast, Meta's data center in Eagle Mountain, Utah, is highlighted as a model for community engagement. Mayor Jared Gray of Eagle Mountain noted Meta's early engagement with city leaders, resulting in agreements on taxes and power use, along with investments in local schools and conservation grants. This positive reception stands in stark contrast to the contentious situation in Box Elder County, where residents are preparing for a "big fight" against O'Leary's project.