Montana U.S. Senate Candidates Discuss Data Centers and AI
Montana's U.S. Senate candidates are actively debating the rapid growth of AI data centers in the state, with all agreeing on the need for transparency. Candidates advocate for local control, ratepayer protection, and environmental safeguards, with one specifically calling for a moratorium on large data center development. This political discussion follows President Trump's controversial social media post criticizing opposition to data centers.
Data centers and artificial intelligence have become a significant political issue in Montana, with U.S. Senate candidates weighing in on the debate as communities grapple with their rapid development. All candidates concur on the critical need for greater transparency surrounding these projects.
Independent candidate Seth Bodnar, speaking in Helena, presented a six-point pledge on AI and data centers, criticizing both Republicans and Democrats at the national level for their inaction. His plan includes measures to ensure ratepayers are not burdened with development costs, protect children from AI, safeguard the environment, protect workers impacted by AI, and grant communities the final say on local data center projects. Bodnar emphasized his opposition to anything that increases costs for Montanans, threatens water or wildlife, or proceeds without community input.
Republican candidate Kurt Alme responded to President Trump's recent social media post, which criticized communities for opposing data centers. While appreciating the intent of economic development, Alme asserted that decisions on data center development are local. He stressed the necessity for local governments to consider potential harms like increased electricity rates and water usage against benefits such as tax revenue and jobs, advocating for transparency from data center companies and strong local oversight with minimum guardrails.
Democratic candidate Alani Bankhead has been a vocal critic, advocating for a moratorium on large data center developments until their impacts on communities can be thoroughly studied. She drew parallels to past corporate exploitation in Montana, calling current corporate interest "Copper Kings 2.0." Bankhead emphasized that any data center development would require an ironclad plan to protect consumers from energy cost increases, prevent environmental pollution, and ensure long-term economic benefits. Libertarian candidate Kyle Austin also expressed opposition, citing concerns about transparency, privacy, and data security, stating data centers "do not belong in Montana. They belong in the ocean."
This shift in political sentiment follows previous efforts by Governor Greg Gianforte to attract data centers, including a past memorandum of understanding with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. Gianforte later signed a Ratepayer Protection Pledge to ensure companies, not taxpayers, bear associated costs. A Gallup survey indicated that 70% of Americans oppose building large data centers in their communities, and pro-AI advocacy groups and Super PACs are beginning to fund campaigns supporting candidates aligned with their agenda.