Missoula County releases draft study on data center impacts
Missoula County released a draft study examining the potential health, safety, environmental, energy, water and noise impacts of data centers. The study recommends adopting detailed zoning rules, coordinating with state officials and regulators, and extending the county's existing one-year ban on new or expanded data centers.
Missoula County has released a draft study commissioned after county commissioners adopted an emergency, one-year moratorium on new or expanded data centers in July. The study examines potential effects on energy use, water resources, noise, wildlife, health, safety and the environment.
Svein Newman, the county's Climate Action Program manager, said the findings show data centers could have significant impacts but noted that Montana's Right to Compute Act may limit the county's ability to impose an outright ban. The draft recommends comprehensive data center zoning rules, coordination with state lawmakers and utility regulators, and extending the moratorium for another year while state law is potentially revised. County officials plan a public presentation on Oct. 27 and additional open meetings in early November.