Kevin O'Leary Says He's The Only Data Center Developer Who Studied Environment, Slams Backlash Against Utah Project: 'Kind Of Hypocritical'
Ananya Gairola Fri, May 8, 2026 at 4:46 AM CDT 8 min read Benzinga and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue on some items throug
Ananya Gairola Fri, May 8, 2026 at 4:46 AM CDT 8 min read Benzinga and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below. On Tuesday, Kevin O'Leary pushed back against growing opposition to his massive Utah AI data center project, arguing environmental criticism is overstated even as concerns mount over fossil fuel use, water consumption and local ecological strain.
O'Leary Defends Utah AI Data Center The "Shark Tank" investor addressed backlash surrounding his proposed Stratos project in Box Elder County, Utah, a sprawling 40,000-acre development expected to generate up to 9 gigawatts of power for artificial intelligence infrastructure. O'Leary said sustainability remains central to the project, citing alternative cooling systems, battery improvements and renewable energy options.
Original reporting: Yahoo Entertainment.
More in Business
- IMF Chief Warns of Economic Divergence and Debt Risks Amid Artificial Intelligence Boom
Kristalina Georgieva suggests that while AI could significantly boost global growth, it simultaneously threatens to widen inequality and exacerbate inflationary pressures and public debt burdens.
- California Limits Utility Profits and Expands Home Energy Role
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed laws capping utility returns on lower-risk projects and accelerating virtual power plant development.
- Lyft to Pay $272.5 Million in Record California Wage-Theft Settlement
Largest such settlement in state history resolves claims that Lyft misclassified drivers as independent contractors from 2016 to 2020, denying them core wage protections.