Yellowstone County data center ballot initiative stopped by courts
A Yellowstone County District Court judge upheld the county's decision to invalidate a proposed ballot initiative that sought to require two-thirds voter approval for new data centers. This legal setback for opponents means data center developer Quantica can continue its project without this specific local hurdle, although residents plan to continue their fight. The initiative was halted due to a legal error and an updated state statute, which opponents felt was a "wild goose chase" orchestrated by county officials.
A Yellowstone County District Court judge has sided with Yellowstone County officials, upholding their decision to invalidate a proposed ballot initiative that aimed to require two-thirds voter approval for any new data center construction in the county. This ruling represents a significant setback for local opponents, led by Broadview resident Kassi Solberg, who have been actively fighting the proposed massive data center by Quantica in rural Yellowstone County. The decision effectively allows Quantica to proceed with its development without the additional hurdle of voter approval.
The legal challenge emerged after Solberg, frustrated by unsuccessful attempts at the local Broadview Town Council level and a denied attempt to establish a special zoning district, pursued a county-wide ballot initiative. Despite initially receiving approval from the Yellowstone County attorney for the initiative's language and being given an August 12 deadline for signature gathering, the county later filed a lawsuit against Solberg. The county argued the initiative violated state law by overriding its zoning authority, citing a recent Montana Supreme Court decision, and also claimed an outdated election statute led to an incorrect signature deadline.
Solberg, who had collected over 12,000 of the required 16,650 signatures, described the process as a "wild goose chase" orchestrated by county commissioners who she felt turned from allies to adversaries. Critics also noted the county's subsequent proposal of a "public access and political activity policy" that would restrict signature gathering on county property, a move widely perceived as targeting Solberg's group. While the initiative itself was struck down, opponents plan to explore other avenues, including a new ballot initiative for a special election or advocating for a data center moratorium through the Montana Legislature. This local development is part of a broader trend of public skepticism and opposition to rapid data center expansion across Montana and nationwide.