Yellowstone Valley Voices seeks public vote on data centers after court setback
Yellowstone Valley Voices, a grassroots organization in Yellowstone County, Montana, is pursuing an amended initiative for a public vote on data centers and an independent expert review after their original effort was struck down in court. The group aims to objectively examine the water, environmental, and social impacts of data centers in the state.
Yellowstone Valley Voices, a grassroots organization in Yellowstone County, Montana, has unveiled an amended initiative to push for a public vote on data center development and an independent expert review of their potential impacts. This move follows a court defeat last month, which struck down the group's initial attempt to gather signatures for its original initiative.
Brian Miller, an attorney representing Yellowstone Valley Voices and a candidate for the Eastern Congressional District, stated the organization's desire for unbiased experts to conduct a comprehensive study. These experts, with no ties to the data center industry, would examine various concerns, including hydrology, water usage, and potential adverse social impacts, such as those related to "man camps" for construction workers. The group emphasizes the need to thoroughly assess these factors before considering data center integration into the state.