Missoula Co. releases AI data center study amid 1-year pause
Missoula County released a study supporting its one-year pause on new data center construction, citing potential electricity demand, greenhouse gas emissions, noise, wildlife and residential compatibility impacts. County officials plan to strengthen data center zoning, address electricity costs with NorthWestern Energy and the Montana Public Service Commission, and consider extending the moratorium after the 2027 legislative session.
Missoula County released a study concluding that potential data center impacts are significant enough to justify the county's one-year moratorium on new construction. The report cites increased electricity demand, greenhouse gas emissions, higher electricity costs, noise, wildlife impacts and conflicts with residential areas.
County commissioners, including Josh Slotnick, plan to work with the Department of Planning, Development and Sustainability to update local data center zoning. The county will also participate in NorthWestern Energy's New Load Tariff proceeding and work with the Montana Public Service Commission to prevent data center-related costs from shifting to ratepayers.
Missoula County intends to recommend statewide standards to Montana lawmakers ahead of the 2027 legislative session. The existing moratorium expires July 8, 2027, and commissioners may extend it for a second year or revise it depending on legislation adopted by the state.