"We pissed off a lot of people": Giant data center plan cut 50% amid protests
Summary
A huge data center project in Utah planned by investor Kevin O’Leary has been cut in half following strong local protests. Residents worried about water use and environmental impacts, leading to demands for better communication and smaller development.Key Facts
- The project was originally planned to cover 40,000 acres, nearly three times the size of Manhattan.
- Local residents opposed the project mainly due to concerns about large water use affecting the Great Salt Lake.
- Many locals paid a fee to officially comment and block water transfer for the project.
- The project size was reduced to about 20,000 acres, with half kept undeveloped.
- Utah Senate President Stuart Adams asked for a 75% reduction in the project size.
- Kevin O’Leary, the project backer, apologized for poor initial communication and now plans to be the project spokesperson.
- Further approvals and environmental reviews are still needed before construction can start.
- Officials see the smaller project as a model for responsible data center development with transparency and community input.
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