Kevin O'Leary agrees to cut the size of his data center in half after backlash (www.businessinsider.com)

Kevin O'Leary has significantly revised his controversial Stratos data center project in Utah, reducing its proposed size by nearly half following pressure from state senator J. Stuart Adams. Originally set to span 40,000 acres, the revised plan will leave 19,430 acres around the Locomotive Springs area untouched, addressing community concerns over energy use, water consumption, and environmental impacts. The project was slated to demand 7.5 to 9 gigawatts of power, positioning it among the largest data center developments in the U.S., which raised alarms about its sustainability. This concession is pivotal for the AI/ML community, as the Stratos Project is closely watched for its implications on infrastructure supporting emerging technologies. Adams praised O'Leary's responsiveness to community demands while emphasizing that the project still requires extensive environmental reviews and permits to proceed. This scenario underscores the growing tension between ambitious tech projects and their ecological footprints, highlighting the need for sustainable development in tech infrastructure as AI continues to evolve.