Kevin O'Leary apologizes for Utah data center messaging

Investor Kevin O'Leary has apologized to residents of Box Elder County, Utah, for mishandling the communication regarding the Stratos Project, a massive proposed artificial intelligence data center. O'Leary admitted that his team “really screwed this up” in terms of conveying the project's potential impacts to the local community.

The project, which could cost up to $100 billion, originally proposed a footprint of approximately 40,000 acres and a power requirement of nine gigawatts. This scale drew intense opposition from residents, environmental activists, and lawmakers, including Utah Senate President J. Stuart Adams, who called for a 75% reduction in the facility's size. Critics have raised concerns regarding the project's massive consumption of water and electricity, as well as its potential environmental impact on the Hansel Valley.

In response to the backlash, O'Leary pledged to increase transparency by sharing detailed plans regarding the facility's noise, heat, and water usage. He also committed to reducing the overall size of the development. Despite the controversy, O'Leary maintains his intention to proceed with the project, stating he aims to be a “major contributor” to the local economy.