Kevin O'Leary speaks to KSL about cutting data center area in half
Businessman Kevin O'Leary has agreed to reduce the scope of his controversial data center proposal in Box Elder County, Utah, by half, from 40,000 acres to 20,000 acres, in response to environmental concerns and public engagement. This reduction includes setting aside half of the remaining area for agriculture and wildlife. Utah Senate President Stuart Adams has praised this decision as a positive step, indicating that public concerns are being heard.
Businessman Kevin O'Leary, the developer behind the proposed Stratus data center in Box Elder County, Utah, has committed to reducing the project's footprint by half. The controversial proposal, initially spanning 40,000 acres, will now cover approximately 20,000 acres. O'Leary stated that this reduction specifically addresses environmental concerns surrounding the Locomotive Springs Waterfall Management Area, an issue he claims he was unaware of at the project's outset.
The revised plan further stipulates that roughly half of the remaining 20,000 acres will be preserved as undeveloped agricultural land or wildlife habitat, effectively limiting the developed area to 10,000 acres. O'Leary also expressed a desire for the data center to contribute to replenishing the Great Salt Lake's water levels, stating that current water demands are decreasing and the project could give back excess water. He acknowledged concerns regarding the lake's salinity and emphasized his wish to be a participant in solving the problem.
Utah Senate President Stuart Adams publicly responded to O'Leary's announcement with a letter, commending the move as a positive development. Adams' letter highlighted that this decision "demonstrates public engagement matters, and that Utahns' concerns are being heard," signaling that community feedback has influenced the project's direction.