Utah's governor just tightened the rules for Kevin O'Leary's giant AI data center
Utah Governor Spencer Cox issued an executive order to establish a new regulatory framework for data center developments statewide, including water resource protections. This action follows significant public opposition in Box Elder County to the Stratos Project, a large data center backed by Kevin O'Leary, due to environmental and quality of life concerns. The executive order aims to set a "higher bar" for future projects.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox has issued an executive order, effective immediately, to establish a new regulatory framework for data center developments across the state. This move comes in response to significant public outcry and opposition, particularly in Box Elder County, against the proposed "Stratos Project," a massive 40,000-acre hyperscale data center campus championed by investor Kevin O'Leary.
Residents have vehemently protested the project, citing concerns over its environmental impact, including potential strain on water resources like the Great Salt Lake, as well as air quality, noise pollution, increased traffic, and a perceived decline in overall quality of life. Despite Box Elder County commissioners having previously approved plans for the Stratos Project, the widespread community opposition led to protests outside the Utah State Capitol.
The executive order, titled "establishing a higher bar for data center development in Utah," outlines eight key principles. These principles mandate protections for water resources, air quality, utility rate payers, and wildlife, while also emphasizing