Opinion writer says Sam Forstag would protect Montana public land from data centers
An opinion article endorses congressional candidate Sam Forstag and argues that data centers threaten Montana’s public lands, water resources, and electricity costs. It calls for federal oversight of AI and data center construction, including requirements for new facilities to provide their own energy and protect water sources.
Reggie Spaulding argues that congressional candidate Sam Forstag would support protections for working-class families, public lands, and the environment against the expansion of large AI data centers. The commentary alleges that data centers are straining electricity grids, wasting or contaminating water, and being built on public lands without adequate federal regulation.
The article says Forstag would support federal AI oversight, allow states greater authority to regulate AI, require new data centers to produce their own energy, protect water sources, and use local union labor. It also claims that most Montanans oppose AI data center construction and criticizes political action committees funded by AI companies for backing Forstag’s opponent, Aron Flint.