Massive data center proposal in Utah draws backlash over environmental risks

May 18, 2026

Reported by AI

Plans for a large data center complex in rural Utah have sparked public opposition due to concerns about energy use, water consumption and impacts on the Great Salt Lake.

The Stratos Project, backed by investor Kevin O’Leary, would cover 40,000 acres in Box Elder County’s Hansel Valley and require 9 gigawatts of power. County commissioners approved the project in April, but more than 1,000 residents voiced concerns at a meeting that officials declined to extend. Utah Governor Spencer Cox later acknowledged questions about water, air quality and long-term effects on rural areas.

Rural US communities resist data center expansion

Residents in rural areas across the United States are opposing new data center projects over concerns about water supplies, energy costs, and farmland loss. In Tazewell County, Illinois, locals successfully blocked a proposed facility after packed council meetings and petitions. The backlash highlights tensions between AI infrastructure growth and agricultural needs.

Data center firms seek exemptions from U.S. pollution rules

February 24, 2026 Reported by AI

Data center developers in Utah and elsewhere have requested exemptions from federal pollution regulations to meet the surging energy demands of artificial intelligence infrastructure. Companies like Novva and Thunderhead argued that such relief is essential for national security amid competition with China. Although the requests highlight the industry's challenges, none appear to have been granted for these projects.

Europe

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Politics

Maine legislature passes first US moratorium on large data centers

Technology

Poll finds most americans oppose local ai data centers

Tech firms pledge to offset data center energy costs

President Trump met with executives from major tech companies last month, where they signed a voluntary pledge to cover energy costs for their data centers. The agreement, dubbed the Ratepayer Protection Pledge, includes securing their own power supplies and funding necessary infrastructure. Critics have dismissed it as lacking enforcement mechanisms.

Google announces low-water data center in Texas

February 24, 2026 Reported by AI

Google is constructing a new data center in Texas that employs advanced air-cooling technology to minimize water usage. The facility will restrict water consumption primarily to essential operations such as kitchens. This initiative aligns with the company's broader $40 billion investment in the state over two years.

Europe