Data Center Signal
◀ Back to Feed
XLinkedInFacebook
With no ballot question, Butte will begin crafting potential temporary data center ban

With no ballot question, Butte will begin crafting potential temporary data center ban

News ClipThe Missoulian·Butte, Silver Bow County, MT·10/1/2026

Butte-Silver Bow will begin developing a potential temporary ban on data center development after a proposed ballot question was excluded from this year's general election. An appeal over the ballot question remains pending in court.

moratoriumgovernmentlegal
Gov: Butte-Silver Bow, Butte-Silver Bow County Attorney's Office, Butte-Silver Bow County Courthouse, Montana District Court

Butte-Silver Bow officials are moving toward crafting a temporary data center ban while developing a more permanent policy. The action follows the exclusion of a ballot question that would have asked voters whether to effectively prohibit data centers in the county.

An appeal related to the ballot question is still pending. Butte-Silver Bow County Attorney Matt Enrooth was involved in an Aug. 19 hearing before District Judge Frank Joseph at the Butte-Silver Bow County Courthouse.