Missoula County to consider temporary ban on new data centers
Missoula County is considering enacting interim zoning to temporarily ban new data center projects while it studies their impacts and develops new regulations. This move comes as public opposition intensifies against a proposed 7-megawatt data center by Krambu in Bonner, which would be exempt from the proposed ban if approved under current zoning. A public hearing is set for July 9 to discuss the interim ordinance.
Missoula County has announced its intention to implement interim zoning regulations, effectively placing a temporary ban on new data center developments. The county states that its current policies regarding data centers and cryptocurrency mining are outdated and insufficient to address the potential impacts of these facilities, particularly with the growth of artificial intelligence. A public hearing on the proposed interim ordinance is scheduled for July 9.
The initiative aims to allow the county to conduct a comprehensive study of data center impacts, including energy use and electronic waste, and to develop more appropriate regulations. This comes amidst increasing debate over data centers' intense energy consumption and growing public opposition to projects within the county.
Currently, the county has no active crypto mining operations or data centers. However, one firm, Krambu, is in the process of seeking county approval for a 7-megawatt facility in Bonner. County officials indicated that Krambu's project would not be affected by the proposed interim zoning if adopted, as it would continue under existing regulations as a special exception. Any expansion by Krambu, or new data center applications, however, would fall under the temporary pause.
Significant public opposition has already emerged regarding Krambu's proposed operation, with over 100 people attending a recent meeting to voice concerns. If the interim zoning is enacted, it would be authorized for one year and could be extended for a second, allowing the county time to establish more robust, permanent regulations.