The biggest data center ever is becoming a huge problem in Utah
The Verge • 5/20/2026
Summary
Utah is set to host the Stratos Project, a 40,000-acre data center in Box Elder County's Hansel Valley, which is backed by investor Kevin O'Leary. The project aims to establish American AI dominance but has faced warnings from experts and public backlash due to concerns over environmental damage and the strain on water supplies. It is projected to be more than twice the size of Manhattan and will consume 9GW of power, nearly double the state's peak electricity demand.
Advertisement
Lindy Score Breakdown (V4.2)
3h
Age
1
Sources
from cluster
5
Hours Since Seen
Final Score12/100
CategoryAntiLindy
StatusActive
Recency Multiplier93% (0.5^5/48)
Hero EligibleYes
Score BreakdownRisk 70
Source Reputation: Low-trust source (6/20 pts)
Consensus: Single source - no independent confirmation yet
Age: Breaking news - too recent to assess longevity
Stories gain Lindy status through source reputation, network consensus, and time survival.
Breaking Similar stories
Google’s AI future demands trust — and your personal data
The Verge • 1 day ago
GitHub says hackers stole data from thousands of internal repositories - TechCrunch
TechCrunch • Today
GitHub says hackers stole data from thousands of internal repositories
TechCrunch • Today
Electrical utility megamerger is all about the data centers
Ars Technica • 1 day ago
Solar to dominate energy by 2035, but AI data centers will keep fossil fuels in business
TechCrunch • 1 day ago
Data Brokers’ and AI Firms’ Opt-Out Forms Are Built to Fail, Report Finds
Wired • Today
FBI seeks US-wide access to license plate cameras, wants "data in near real time"
Ars Technica • Today
Linus Torvalds says Linux security list is becoming ‘unmanageable’ due to AI bug reports
The Verge • 2 days ago
Hypershell X Ultra S Review: The Best Exoskeleton Yet
Wired • Today
Nintendo keeps finding new ways to reinvent platformers
The Verge • 1 day ago
Anti-Lindy Similar stories
NASA's Psyche spacecraft just got an assist from Mars on the way to its asteroid namesake
Engadget • 4 days ago
Amazon is facing a class action lawsuit for not refunding its customers after 'unlawful' tariffs
Engadget • 3 days ago
Ebola outbreak with uncommon strain erupts in Congo and Uganda; 65 deaths
Ars Technica • 5 days ago