Missoula County adopts temporary moratorium on data centers: The interim freeze could prohibit new or expanded data centers in the county, excluding Missoula
Missoula County commissioners unanimously approved a temporary moratorium on new or expanded data centers for up to one year. This interim zoning proposal allows the county to update its regulations to mitigate potential impacts on public health, safety, and natural resources, including water and energy use. The decision was prompted by public concern and a previously proposed data center project in Bonner.
Missoula County commissioners have unanimously enacted a temporary moratorium on the development of new or expanding data centers, citing concerns over potential impacts on public health and the environment. The interim zoning proposal, introduced by county staff, will pause data center construction for up to a year while the county updates its regulations regarding public health, safety, and natural resources. This moratorium applies to all zoned and unzoned areas within the county but excludes the city of Missoula, whose new zoning map does not currently permit data centers within city limits.
The decision followed a public hearing where 30 individuals spoke, all in favor of the moratorium, which was met with applause. Commissioner Dave Strohmaier highlighted Missoula County's proactive approach to assessing data center impacts. The county is required to initiate a study within 30 days to verify the emergency and determine mitigation strategies. Current regulations, adopted in 2021 in response to a cryptocurrency mine, limit facilities to industrial zones and require special exemptions and renewable energy verification. However, county officials like Karen Hughes and Jennie Dixon stated these rules are insufficient to address new concerns regarding water quality and quantity, air quality, heat, noise, vibration, and energy infrastructure.
The proposal for the moratorium was prompted by a data center project previously proposed for Bonner, which has since been withdrawn by the property owner. Commissioners Josh Slotnick noted that the definition and potential impacts of data centers have evolved significantly since the county's last zoning updates in 2021. Public commenters largely expressed concerns about data centers' potential to pollute the aquifer, generate excess heat, and negatively affect human and wildlife health due to constant noise and energy demands. Ben Catton of the Montana Environmental Information Center praised Missoula County for creating a transparent process, setting a potential roadmap for other areas in Montana.
While the county's interim zoning allows for a one-year moratorium, with a possible one-year extension, it cannot permanently prohibit data centers. In other parts of Montana, such as Butte-Silver Bow and Yellowstone counties, residents are gathering signatures for ballot initiatives to require voter approval for data center construction, with Yellowstone County facing a lawsuit to determine the validity of such a petition. Commissioner Slotnick encouraged public participation in the upcoming 2027 legislative session, anticipating lobbying efforts from AI companies.