Strong public backlash and repeated project setbacks have solidified trader skepticism that Kevin O’Leary’s Stratos AI data center in Box Elder County will break ground this year. Approved amid fanfare in May, the hyperscale plan quickly drew fire over water consumption near the Great Salt Lake, energy demands, and land use, prompting a 75% size reduction in June after pressure from state lawmakers and vocal residents. O’Leary, the Shark Tank investor, publicly conceded the rollout “screwed up” and faced lawsuits plus primary-election losses for supportive politicians, all signaling drawn-out permitting and community resistance. With no confirmed construction timeline and ongoing environmental reviews, the market-implied odds reflect realistic delays typical for controversial large-scale infrastructure amid shifting local priorities.