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Utah Residents Push Back Against Controversial AI Data Center Project

KVIA••CNN Newsource
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Residents of Box Elder County, Utah, are rallying to oppose a large AI data center project approved by local commissioners, citing environmental concerns and a desire for more community input. The project, backed by investor Kevin O’Leary, aims to construct a 9-gigawatt data center and natural gas plant on a 40,000-acre site, promising economic benefits and job creation. However, locals fear the environmental impact, including potential harm to the Great Salt Lake and increased emissions. A referendum to challenge the approval is being pursued, requiring over 5,000 signatures to appear on the November ballot. This situation reflects a broader national concern regarding the rapid expansion of data centers and their implications for local communities.

Key Details: • Residents are seeking a referendum to challenge the project approval, needing over 5,000 signatures. • The data center is expected to support 10,000 construction jobs and 2,000 permanent positions. • Concerns include environmental impacts on the Great Salt Lake and local ecosystems. • Developers have already invested around $20 million, with total costs projected to exceed $100 billion.

environment community economic-development protests data-center

People & Organizations

Spencer CoxSalt Lake CityKevin O’LearyPark CityCaroline GleichRobert DaviesSarah Inskeep-YoungBox Elder CountyGreat Salt LakeUtah Military Installation Development Authority

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