‘Irresponsible’: backlash as Utah approves datacenter twice the size of Manhattan

Key Points:

• The Stratos AI datacenter project in Utah, spanning over 40,000 acres and requiring about 9GW of power, has sparked significant public opposition due to concerns over excessive energy consumption and water use amid severe drought conditions.
• Environmentalists warn the project threatens the fragile Great Salt Lake ecosystem, which is already shrinking and at risk of toxic dust clouds, while critics highlight potential increases in local temperatures and a 50% rise in state pollution.
• Venture capitalist Kevin O’Leary supports the project, emphasizing job creation and US competitiveness in AI, but opponents accuse him of dismissing local concerns and allege that protesters are being unfairly labeled as paid outsiders.
• In response to public backlash, local officials face contentious debates, and a referendum effort to overturn the project approval is underway; meanwhile, developers withdrew and plan to resubmit a water diversion application, complicating public objection processes.
• Utah Governor Spencer Cox has mandated that the project must not harm the Great Salt Lake or increase power bills, requiring phased construction with future reviews to ensure accountability and alignment with state values.