tech
A 9-gigawatt data centre outraged a Utah community. The governor just issued new rules.
Utah’s governor issued an executive order setting new standards for data centres after a 9 GW project backed by Kevin O’Leary sparked protests.
TL;DR
- Utah Governor Spencer Cox issued an executive order setting new, higher standards for data center development.
- The order was prompted by community outrage over the proposed 9 GW Stratos Project, backed by Kevin O'Leary.
- The framework includes eight principles addressing water resources, air quality, wildlife protection, and utility rate impacts.
- The Stratos Project developers must now use a phased approach, seeking permits for each expansion rather than a single blanket approval.
- The executive order aims to balance data center growth with the protection of local resources and community concerns.
- The global demand for AI data centers is intensifying, leading to conflicts over power, water, and land use.