Artificial intelligence: Why Shark Tank’s Kevin O’Leary wants to build a massive data center in Utah.
https://slate.com/technology/2026/06/artificial-intelligence-kevin-oleary-utah-data-center.html
Publish Date: 2026-06-01 05:40:00
Source Domain: slate.com
Here is a concise summary of the key points from the article:
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Project Overview:
- Entrepreneur Kevin O’Leary is planning to build the world’s largest A.I. campus, referred to as “Stratos Hyperscale Data Center” or “Wonder Valley,” in Box Elder County, Utah.
- The campus would consist of 30 buildings and is intended to advance U.S. national security in AI and compete with China’s technological progress.
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Location & Resistance:
- The project would occupy 40,000 acres near the Great Salt Lake on private land, a decision that has triggered significant resistance from local residents.
- Many residents feel they were not given enough opportunity for democratic input or transparency in the approval process.
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Political Backlash:
- Initially, state officials including Gov. Spencer Cox strongly supported the project, viewing it as crucial for the state’s economy and national security.
- Nevertheless, opposition has caused some officials to reassess their support and call for environmental reviews and public referendums.
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Public Concerns:
- Major concerns among locals include potential water shortages exacerbated by the data center, environmental impacts, and community displacement.
- The shrinking and polluting Great Salt Lake is a significant worry for residents whose livelihoods depend on its health.
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Response and Future Potential:
- There has been a groundswell of community-led resistance, illustrated by thousands of letters of opposition, public gatherings, and grassroots efforts to overturn the decision.
- The backlash shows signs of causing political fallout, with several officials facing calls for boycotts and significant primary opponent challenges.
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Potential Long-term Effects:
- This conflict may spark broader political change in Utah, as locals question the prioritization of corporate interests over community and environmental health.
- The push back signifies a growing resistance to large corporate projects, mirroring similar resistance movements in other states.
This summary encapsulates the central themes and concerns, highlighting both the visionary ambitions behind the project and the significant opposition it faces due to community and environmental considerations.
