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Developers Drop Water Request, $15 Fee Amid AI Datacenter Debate

5/13/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Developers withdrew their request to divert 1,900 acre-feet of water and will charge each complainant $15 in a new filing.
The Stratos AI datacenter would cover 40,000 acres and need 9 GW of power, exceeding Utah’s electricity use.
Governor Spencer Cox said the project must not harm the Great Salt Lake or raise power bills.
Environmental groups warn the datacenter could raise temperatures by up to 12 °F and stress the lake.

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Story summary

Developers withdrew their request to divert 1,900 acre-feet of water and will charge each complainant $15 in a new filing.
The Stratos AI datacenter would cover 40,000 acres and need 9 GW of power, exceeding Utah’s electricity use.
Governor Spencer Cox said the project must not harm the Great Salt Lake or raise power bills.
Environmental groups warn the datacenter could raise temperatures by up to 12 °F and stress the lake.