Utah Governor Imposes New Demands on Kevin O'Leary's Data Center Project Amid Local Concerns
Utah Governor Spencer J. Cox has responded to local concerns regarding a data center project backed by 'Shark Tank' investor Kevin O'Leary. The project, known as the Stratos Project, is set to be developed on a 40,000-acre campus in Box Elder County. Residents have expressed worries about the potential impact on energy consumption, air quality, and water resources. In response, Governor Cox announced new requirements for the project, including obtaining new approvals for each phase, with the initial phase capped at 1.5 gigawatts. The state's environmental agency will review all air quality permits, and the Department of Natural Resources will ensure water protection and the use of environmentally sensitive cooling systems. The project has sparked protests and debates over its potential to raise utility costs and degrade quality of life.