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Residents oppose $100 billion data center project in Utah backed by Kevin O’Leary
May 11, 2026
AI Summary
A proposed $100 billion data center in Box Elder County, Utah, has sparked significant local opposition due to concerns over its massive energy consumption and environmental impact. The project, which would require more electricity than the entire state uses in a year, has led residents to seek a referendum to halt its development.
- Local residents in Box Elder County, Utah, are protesting a $100 billion data center project backed by investor Kevin O’Leary, citing concerns over its 40,000-acre footprint and energy consumption.
- The Box Elder County commissioners voted unanimously to advance the project, despite protests and demands for more information from the community.
- Following the vote, some residents filed an application for a referendum to stop the project, which would require over 5,000 signatures to proceed.
- O’Leary claims the project will create jobs and is vital for national security, suggesting that opposition may be influenced by misinformation from China.
- The data center, known as the Stratos Project or Wonder Valley, is part of a joint venture with O’Leary Digital Limited and is expected to consume more than double the state's annual electricity usage.
- Residents are also concerned about potential environmental impacts, including heat emissions and water usage that could affect the nearby Great Salt Lake.
- The controversy in Utah reflects a broader national trend of local opposition to data center developments, with similar situations occurring in other states.
data centerinvestmentmisinformationrural developmentkevin o'leary