'We can do a lot': Missoula County data center study recommends new regulations
A Missoula County study found that data centers could significantly increase demands on local resources and affect residents and the environment. County officials said they cannot permanently halt data center development but could adopt zoning rules and other agreements to limit its impacts.
A Missoula County data center impact study recommends that the county develop new zoning rules and other agreements to manage the effects of future facilities. Officials said Tuesday that the county cannot impose a permanent halt on data center development, but it can regulate projects and address potential impacts on residents and the environment.
Nathan Stephens of the Montanans Against Data Centers Action Team spoke during a meeting at the Missoula County Fairgrounds. The study found that data centers could place substantial demands on the area, prompting discussion about local regulatory options.