Debate over data centers in Montana could be decided at ballot box
Local activists in Butte-Silver Bow and Yellowstone County, Montana, are pushing for ballot initiatives that would require two-thirds voter approval for new data center projects. This comes after Sabey Data Centers withdrew a proposed project, with local officials and some groups opposing the initiatives, citing economic benefits. Missoula County is also considering a temporary moratorium on data center construction.
Local realtors and community groups in Montana are spearheading ballot initiatives aiming to give voters more control over data center development. Denise Kelly of 406 People First in Butte-Silver Bow is collecting signatures for an initiative that, if passed by voters in November, would require a two-thirds majority vote in a special election to approve new data center construction or expansion.
A similar initiative is underway in Yellowstone County, where citizens like Kassi Solberg of Yellowstone County Voices are responding to a large data center proposal by Quantica. Jayson O'Neill, chair of the Montana Democratic Hunters and Outdoors Roundtable, states that Montanans feel data centers are not compatible with their communities and are taking action to regain decision-making power.
Butte-Silver Bow Chief Executive J.P. Gallagher criticizes the initiatives, arguing they amount to a de facto ban on data center construction and that data centers represent the "next industrial revolution." He believes local governments have effectively addressed concerns about environmental impact and water usage. However, the initiatives face potential legal challenges, with Tanner Avery of the Frontier Institute citing Montana Supreme Court precedent that could nullify such voter-based land use systems. Meanwhile, Missoula County commissioners are also considering a temporary pause on data center construction.