Kevin O'Leary's Massive Data Center Project in Utah Gets the Greenlight, Locals Are Furious

https://gizmodo.com/kevin-olearys-massive-data-center-project-in-utah-gets-the-greenlight-locals-are-furious-2000755168

The project would be more than twice the size of Manhattan and could consume more electricity than the entire state currently uses.

Some quotes near the end that I want to point out.

For his part, O’Leary has claimed, without evidence, that much of the opposition to the project was “paid” and that the meeting was filled with “professional protestors.” “We think that over 90% of the protestors are actually not people that live in Utah or Box Elder County. They’re being bussed in,” O’Leary said in a video posted on X.
He also claimed backlash on social media surrounding the project was AI-generated.

I mean sure, might as well keep using that playbook it's not like it ever stopped working, but at this point I'm shocked these assholes don't just go "And there's nothing you peasants can do about it! Mwauahahaha"

84 points · 7 comments · view on lemmy.world

7 Comments

snoons@lemmy.ca · 21 pts · 128d

Same thing is happening in Michigan:

https://fortune.com/2026/05/06/ai-data-center-michigan-saline-politics-farmland/

People showed up. Voiced their opposition, but they were ignored. Truly, what other options are there for people if their government doesn't listen?

homes@piefed.world · 18 pts · 128d

It would be hilarious if he gets killed in some sort of local uprising

SoupBrick@pawb.social · 11 pts · 128d

vratajin@piefed.social · 8 pts · 128d (2 replies)

Totally nothing sleazy about that guy.

I'm not against progress and we build stuff as we advance as a civilisation, but the size of this thing is ridiculous, and environmental impact is going to be huge.

I hope he loses a ton of money on that thing.

Bluegrass_Addict@lemmy.ca · 5 pts · 128d

just e he loses more the just money

Mac@mander.xyz · 1 pts · 128d

I'm not even necessarily against datacenters, but they need to be environmentally friendly and work for the people.

Sharkticon@lemmy.zip · 3 pts · 128d

Do crime.