Huge AI Data Center in the USA Sparks Debate, Public Anger Over Environmental Risk

Staff Report: PNN
Strong concerns and protests have emerged among local residents regarding a proposed massive AI data center project in Utah, United States. Due to fears of potential negative environmental impacts, excessive energy consumption, and damage to local biodiversity, residents have initiated efforts to hold a public referendum against the project.

Although the Box Elder County Commission recently approved the project, many residents have alleged that the decision was made too quickly without sufficient public review. A section of local voters is now collecting signatures to demand a referendum in the November election. They must collect more than 5,000 signatures to proceed.

If implemented, the proposed “Stratos Data Center Project” will involve the construction of a 9-gigawatt AI data center and a natural gas-based power plant over approximately 40,000 acres of land. Several investors, including Kevin O’Leary, are associated with the project.

Supporters of the project claim that it will boost the local economy, create thousands of jobs, and play an important role in strengthening the United States’ technological capacity and national security. According to them, around 10,000 people will be employed during the construction phase, and about 2,000 people will get permanent jobs.

However, local environmentalists and residents fear that the massive electricity and water demand of such a large data center could disrupt the environmental balance of the region. There is growing concern about its impact on the shrinking Great Salt Lake. The area is also an important habitat for migratory birds.

Local environmental activist Caroline Gleich said that while technological advancement is necessary, the lack of accountability and transparency from major tech companies is raising concerns. She emphasized the need for independent environmental impact assessments.

Another resident, Sarah Inskip-Young, said there is a major mismatch between the scale of the project and the transparency of public review. She stressed that the future environment and public health of the entire state must be considered.

On the other hand, project-related parties claim that water usage will be reduced through modern technology and energy management will be made environmentally friendly. They also assured that all federal and state environmental regulations will be followed.

Meanwhile, hundreds of people attended a county commission meeting to protest. Some held placards reading “Streaming is better than stream” and “Don’t betray us.” At one point, the meeting had to be moved to a separate room for online voting due to the tense situation.

Analysts say that with the expansion of AI-based technologies, data center construction is increasing across the United States. At the same time, public resistance over environmental and public interest issues is also becoming stronger.