Commissioners agree to discuss emergency zoning request over proposed Broadview data center
Yellowstone County commissioners will discuss an emergency interim zoning ordinance on August 27th that could pause a proposed 5,000-acre data center project by Quantica in Broadview. The grassroots group Yellowstone County Voices is advocating for the zoning change, citing concerns about noise and other hazards from data centers. There is debate among commissioners and attorneys regarding the county's authority to enact such an ordinance.
Yellowstone County commissioners have agreed to discuss an interim emergency zoning ordinance that could halt a proposed 5,000-acre data center project in Broadview, Montana. This decision follows an emotional public meeting where the grassroots group Yellowstone County Voices urged commissioners to use their authority for emergency interim zoning to stop Quantica's development.
Kassi Solberg, who leads Yellowstone County Voices, and her attorney Brian Miller, cited state law 76-2-206, which allows county commissioners to establish interim zoning for public health, safety, or general welfare. However, Commissioner Mark Morse contended that the county lacks such authority, stating that most relevant powers are reserved for the state of Montana. Attorney Gene Jarussi countered that state law does permit commissioners to review local impacts.
Quantica, the developer, stated that it communicates with county officials to discuss job creation, property tax revenue, and how the company plans to pay for power and protect local resources. The company emphasized its commitment to following regulatory processes and engaging with stakeholders. The commission is scheduled to discuss the emergency zoning request at its August 27th meeting in Billings.