A 9-gigawatt data centre outraged a Utah community. The governor just issued new rules. Utah Governor Spencer Cox has signed an executive order establishing stricter standards for data center development, following protests against the 9-gigawatt Stratos Project backed by Kevin O’Leary. The order mandates eight principles covering water, air quality, wildlife, and public input, requiring a phased approval process for future expansions. This move comes amidst a growing global demand for AI data centers, which are increasingly creating land-use conflicts and highlighting the need for community involvement and environmental safeguards. The governor’s order signals a shift towards permitting such infrastructure only with robust regulations and public consent.

• 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. Continue reading https://thenextweb.com/news/utah-governor-data-centre-rules-oleary-stratos-backlash