Utah’s 40,000-Acre AI Data Center Approved Amid Community Opposition

Box Elder County commissioners unanimously approved the Stratos Project, a 40,000-acre AI data center and on-site natural-gas plant in northwest Utah. The design calls for up to 9 GW of capacity (3 GW in phase 1), 10,000 construction jobs, 2,000 permanent jobs, $20 million already spent and a projected cost over $100 billion. Residents have filed a petition seeking a November referendum, which requires more than 5,000 signatures.

Gizmodo

O’Leary says the campus will generate all power on-site, use air-cooled exchangers and a closed-loop water-recycling system, and will not burden the regional grid. Governor Spencer Cox calls data centers “important” for national security but not Utah’s top economic driver, stressing a state “obligation” to permit them. The commission said it reviewed thousands of comments. MIDA describes the site as an “energy island” that could export surplus power.

CNN

Local opponents warn the 9 GW plant could double regional greenhouse-gas emissions, raise heat and noise, and draw millions of gallons of water daily—potentially worsening the shrinking Great Salt Lake. Residents cite a lack of transparent impact studies, a rushed approval, and permanent landscape change. A university physicist estimated a 50 % rise in state emissions at full build-out.

Kevin O'Leary Data Center Approved in Box Elder, Utah

O’Leary claims over 90 % of protesters are “bussed in” outsiders, a charge locals dispute. Developers assert the project will not divert water from the lake or agriculture, yet water-rights usage has not been independently verified. Guard-rail provisions on noise and water remain subject to state permitting.

Kevin O'Leary Data Center Approved in Box Elder, Utah

• “I love what technology can give us, but Big Tech has shown us that they are not accountable,” — Caroline Gleich, environmental advocate

CNN

• “The potential of what we’re creating is so important for defense, for the economy,” — Kevin O’Leary, investor

CNN

• “We have an obligation, I think every state has an obligation when it comes to this space, to allow for these types of data centers to be built,” — Spencer Cox, Governor of Utah

CNN

• “Our vote today is not a vote or against the data center — our vote is about personal property rights.” — Lee Perry, Box Elder County Commissioner

CNN

Proponents argue the center will boost U.S. AI capabilities and provide a resilient power source for defense. Critics say the footprint could exacerbate water scarcity, increase greenhouse-gas emissions, and set a precedent for large-scale projects lacking robust community oversight.

Benzinga

The referendum petition is under legal review; if it gathers the required signatures, voters will decide the project’s fate in November. State agencies will conduct air-quality and water-rights assessments, and opponents demand an independent impact study before further construction.

CNN