Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Scientists, Residents Push Back on Utah’s 9 GW Stratos Data Center

6/5/2026

50 6 Full Breakdown

Left

Kevin O'Leary Opposition

Scientists and residents rallied against the Stratos data center, warning it could devastate wildlife and lower the Great Salt Lake.
Kevin O'Leary’s Stratos data center proposal in Box Elder County, Utah, has not yet received any permits.
Senate President J. Stuart Adams asked developer to cut project size by 75 percent.
The plan would draw 9 gigawatts—more than Utah’s total electricity use—threatening the fragile lake ecosystem.

Right

Kevin O'Leary Plan Cut

Kevin O'Leary pledged a memorandum of understanding with Utah Department of Natural Resources to safeguard wildlife, agriculture and open space.
The plan was reduced by half after state leaders pressured Kevin O'Leary, with no permits filed.
Utah Senate President J. Stuart Adams called cut a step for water and land protection.
New York lawmakers are pushing an AI data-center ban, while a poll shows 70% opposition.

History

Historical Context

A 2021 study found U.S. data centers draw about 1.7 billion liters (? 450 million gallons) of water each day, and a 2024 Berkeley Lab report recorded 17 billion gallons used nationwide. Citing such scrutiny, Utah Senate President J. Stuart Adams is reviewing Kevin O'Leary’s 9-GW Stratos data center, warning that unchecked water draws could trigger costly caps.

1 of 3

Kevin O'Leary Opposition

Scientists and residents rallied against the Stratos data center, warning it could devastate wildlife and lower the Great Salt Lake.
Kevin O'Leary’s Stratos data center proposal in Box Elder County, Utah, has not yet received any permits.
Senate President J. Stuart Adams asked developer to cut project size by 75 percent.
The plan would draw 9 gigawatts—more than Utah’s total electricity use—threatening the fragile lake ecosystem.

1 / 3