Bodnar, Alme weigh in on data center debate
Independent US Senate candidate Seth Bodnar and his Republican opponent Kurt Alme have weighed in on the data center debate in Montana, both advocating for transparency, local control, and protection of natural resources. The discussion is part of a broader political debate in the state, involving concerns over data centers' impact on water and energy, and includes proposals for new regulations and a moratorium on development. A protest was held in Helena regarding data centers, highlighting local opposition.
Independent U.S. Senate candidate Seth Bodnar, running for Montana's U.S. Senate seat, recently held a press conference in Helena's Anchor Park to address the contentious issue of data centers. Bodnar criticized both major parties for being influenced by "big tech companies" and proposed a plan that includes supporting the Ratepayer Protection Act to prevent data center developers from passing costs to Montana utility consumers. He also advocated for disclosure requirements on data centers' water and energy use, opposed out-of-state contractors, and emphasized local community decision-making.
The debate surrounding data centers has become a prominent issue in Montana's midterm elections, with proposed projects in Butte, Missoula, and Broadview facing significant pushback. The Montana Democratic Party has endorsed a two-year moratorium on data center development, while the Montana AFL-CIO is pushing for union jobs in the sector. Republicans, including Governor Greg Gianforte, have moderated their initial strong support, now emphasizing resource protection and local job creation.
Republican opponent Kurt Alme, endorsed by former President Donald Trump, responded to Bodnar's criticism by outlining a similar stance. Alme stated that data centers must be transparent, adhere to "important guardrails," earn local support, and disclose their costs and impacts. He also supported ensuring Montana residents do not bear the brunt of increased utility bills due to data center energy demand, advocating that developers "pay their own way" and avoid adverse impacts on water and wildlife.
Political action committees are actively involved, with "American Mission," a pro-AI PAC linked to OpenAI, spending significant funds to support Republican candidates like Aaron Flint and Kurt Alme. Bodnar asserted his campaign has not accepted donations from AI or data center companies, further highlighting the financial influence of the tech industry in the political discourse surrounding data center development.