Missoula County presented its data center study - pointing to zoning as a potential way to regulate them
Missoula County officials presented a study outlining the environmental, water and electricity impacts of data centers after commissioners enacted a one-year moratorium on new facilities. Officials are considering zoning updates and awaiting potential state regulations, with additional public hearings scheduled for November 4 and 12.
Missoula County officials presented findings from a recently completed study examining the effects of data centers on local communities. The study found that data centers can increase local temperatures, consume significant amounts of water and use as much electricity as a medium-sized city.
The county commissioners enacted a one-year moratorium on new data center construction in July. Officials said zoning changes could help address the facilities’ impacts, but the county is waiting to see what the Montana Legislature does during its next session before determining local rules. Additional public hearings on potential regulations are scheduled for Nov. 4 and 12.