More than 20 cryptomines have popped up in Montana along Bakken's edges
More than 20 cryptocurrency mining data centers have emerged in Richland and Roosevelt counties, Montana, often near existing oil and gas infrastructure. Local residents and opponents are calling for increased regulation due to concerns about their impact. Yellowstone County Commissioners have written to legislators on this matter.
Twenty-two small-scale data centers, primarily used for cryptocurrency mining, have been permitted to operate in Richland and Roosevelt counties, Montana. These facilities are often constructed alongside county roads and existing oil and gas infrastructure in the Bakken region, raising concerns among local residents.
One resident, Karen Boehler, expressed surprise at a data center being built near her property bordering the Yellowstone River. Data center opponents have repeatedly called for more regulation to address the impacts of these facilities.
In response to these concerns, Yellowstone County Commissioners have written to state legislators, indicating a broader push for legislative action regarding data center operations in the state.