Candidates in Montana's Eastern Congressional race discuss data centers
Candidates for Montana's Eastern House District are actively debating large data center development, with one candidate, Brian Miller, serving as legal counsel for citizens challenging the Quantica Infrastructure project in Yellowstone County. Key concerns revolve around local control, water usage, and electrical needs, as well as the environmental impact of these developments. The candidates generally advocate for local decision-making and transparency from developers.
The debate over large data center development has become a significant issue in the midterm election for Montana's Eastern House District, where the state's largest data center project is currently under development. Nonstop Local interviewed the four candidates on the November ballot: Republican incumbent U.S. Rep. Troy Downing, Democratic candidate Brian Miller, Independent candidate Dr. Mike Eisenhauer, and Libertarian candidate Patrick McCracken.
Democratic candidate Brian Miller is directly involved, acting as legal counsel for citizens challenging the Quantica Infrastructure development in Yellowstone County. Miller emphasizes the need for maximum local control and transparency, criticizing the lack of disclosure regarding water use and agreements by large data center projects. Quantica Infrastructure recently stated plans to use 20,000 gallons of water per day with closed-loop cooling and is exploring opportunities to make water available to surrounding communities.
Independent candidate Dr. Mike Eisenhauer outlined a 5-Pillar policy, advocating for closed-loop cooling, protecting ratepayers, and ensuring communities have the final say, emphasizing that development should not be environmentally damaging or unwelcome. Libertarian candidate Patrick McCracken echoed concerns about local control, water resources, and potential increases in electrical bills for Montanans, citing the state constitution's guarantee of a healthful environment. Republican incumbent U.S. Rep. Troy Downing, unable to do an interview, provided a statement supporting state and local decision-making and stressing the non-negotiable protection of Montana’s senior water rights.
Overall, candidates agree on the importance of local control in data center development decisions and highlight concerns about water and electricity consumption, and environmental impacts. The debate is expected to continue given economists' predictions of significant future data center developments nationwide.