Utah AI Data Center Plan Halved Amid Local Opposition

Kevin O’Leary‑backed developers announced that their proposed 40,000‑acre AI data‑center district in Utah has been cut in half to roughly 20,000 acres after residents voiced strong opposition. Local residents cited concerns over the project’s projected energy and water consumption, potential environmental impacts, and the adequacy of public review processes. The developers argue that the scaled‑down plan would still create thousands of jobs and bolster U. S. computing capabilities and national defence. The decision underscores the growing scrutiny of large‑scale tech infrastructure projects in the United States, as communities weigh economic benefits against environmental and resource‑use costs.