"We pissed off a lot of people": Giant data center plan cut 50% amid protests
Summary
Ars Technica reports that the Stratos giant data center project in Box Elder County, Utah, led by Kevin O’Leary, was cut by 50% after intense local protests centered on water use, electricity costs, and environmental impacts. The developer admits missteps in public engagement, while officials and opponents debate transparency and regulatory processes. The controversy has broader implications for data-center siting, political dynamics in Utah, and public opinion on large-scale tech infrastructure.