Bowman County establishes seven-month moratorium for data centers
Bowman County officials approved seven-month moratoriums on data centers and battery energy storage facilities while local zoning ordinances are drafted. Residents voiced concerns about water use, electricity rates, land impacts and promised job creation, while state Sen. Greg Kessel urged the county to maintain local control.
The Bowman County Planning and Zoning Board voted to establish moratoriums on data centers and battery energy storage systems through May 31, giving officials time to develop zoning ordinances and hold public hearings. The Bowman County Commission later approved both moratoriums. Officials said the pause was intended to create local ground rules, not to decide whether future facilities should ultimately be approved or rejected.
Residents attending the meeting expressed both support for the public process and opposition to data centers and artificial intelligence-related development. Concerns included water consumption, electricity rates, proximity to hunting lands and whether promised jobs would benefit local workers. State Sen. Greg Kessel encouraged the county to proceed with its own ordinance rather than wait for possible statewide regulations from the North Dakota Legislative Assembly.