Montana counties take different approaches to data center regulation

Yellowstone County is seeking a legal determination on the legality of a citizen initiative that would require voter approval for new data center construction or expansion. Deputy County Attorney Steve Williams expressed concerns about the initiative's constitutionality, citing a Montana Supreme Court ruling on a similar wind farm regulation initiative. Broadview resident Kassi Solberg, who is leading the initiative spurred by Quantica Infrastructure's plans for a 5,000-acre data center campus, criticized the county's move as an attempt to prevent voters from deciding.

In contrast, the Missoula County Commissioners approved interim zoning establishing a one-year moratorium on data center development. This action, prompted by a previously proposed AI data center by Krambu at the Bonner Mill Industrial Park that later fell through due to public concerns, aims to update regulations addressing potential impacts like noise, heat, air and water quality, and high energy consumption. County planning director Karen Hughes emphasized that current regulations are inadequate for these "relatively new use[s]", highlighting issues like energy and water usage.

Community members in Missoula showed strong support for the moratorium during a public hearing, emphasizing the significant immediate and long-term threats posed by data centers to energy systems, climate, water resources, health, and safety. Commissioner Josh Slotnick noted that the public input and zoning power were crucial, while also cautioning that the state legislature might challenge local regulations. The article highlights differing approaches across Montana counties in regulating the burgeoning data center industry.