Utah Governor Imposes New Standards on Kevin O'Leary's Data Center Amid Local Concerns
Utah Governor Spencer J. Cox has announced new requirements for a data center project backed by 'Shark Tank' investor Kevin O'Leary, following local opposition. The data center, known as the Stratos Project, is planned for a 40,000-acre site in Box Elder County. Residents have raised concerns about the project's potential impact on energy consumption, air quality, water resources, and overall quality of life. In response, Governor Cox has mandated that the project obtain new approvals for each phase, with the initial phase capped at 1.5 gigawatts. Additionally, the state's environmental agency will review air quality permits, and the Department of Natural Resources will ensure water protection and the use of environmentally sensitive cooling systems. These measures aim to address the community's concerns and ensure accountability. 
