Krambu withdraws application for proposed Bonner data center
Krambu has withdrawn its application for a proposed data center in Bonner, Montana, following growing public opposition and a protracted application process. Missoula County is proceeding with plans for an interim ban on new data center facilities to study their impacts and develop comprehensive regulations. The county's planning director, Karen Hughes, hopes Missoula can become a model for responsible data center development.
Krambu, a company seeking to open a data center in Bonner, Montana, has officially withdrawn its application. This decision comes after a lengthy application process and increasing public opposition to the proposed facility.
Despite Krambu's withdrawal, Missoula County officials, including Karen Hughes, director of county planning and development, confirmed the county will move forward with enacting interim zoning regulations. This interim ban aims to pause new data center development, allowing the county time to study the environmental and community impacts of such facilities, including intense energy and water use, air quality, noise, heat, and e-waste, which current regulations adopted in 2021 are deemed inadequate to address.
The county plans a public hearing on July 9 to discuss the proposed ban, which will follow a similar process to past interim regulations placed on cryptocurrency operations. The issue of data center development is also gaining statewide attention, with groups in Yellowstone and Butte-Silver Bow counties pushing for initiatives requiring voter approval for new facilities. Missoula County Commissioner Josh Slotnick noted that data centers were a major discussion point at a recent National Association of Counties meeting, highlighting the evolving nature of the industry and the need for updated public policy.