Protesters against the Box Elder County data center backed by Kevin O'Leary. Natalie Behring/Getty Images

Residents in Utah are resisting a data center backed by "Shark Tank" investor Kevin O'Leary.

Gov. Spencer J. Cox said on Friday that locals can now expect "clear standards and accountability."

Data centers have become a divisive topic during the AI boom.

Utah Gov. Spencer J. Cox said he's heard the complaints from residents about a data center development backed by "Shark Tank" investor Kevin O'Leary, so he's making some new demands.

Cox said he's faced questions this week about the data center's impact on a range of issues — including energy and air quality — which he called "real concerns."

"All Utahns should expect clear standards and accountability," Cox said in a lengthy X post on Friday.

He said that based on conversations with residents, local leaders, and others, he would undertake a series of "actions" regarding the project.…