Data center activity in Idaho
Idaho has seen the sharpest decline of any state over the past quarter, driven by opposition that consistently wins, blocking at least nine projects while only one advanced despite objections. Zoning has turned strongly negative, with at least seven denials against two approvals, and at least ten moratoriums have been enacted with two rejected. At least 14 companies are active, but coverage is moderate, so the picture could shift. Idaho now stands in stark contrast to neighboring Wyoming and Utah, where projects routinely clear local hurdles.
Idaho has seen the sharpest decline of any state over the past quarter, driven by opposition that consistently wins, blocking at least nine projects while only one advanced despite objections. Zoning has turned strongly negative, with at least seven denials against two approvals, and at least ten moratoriums have been enacted with two rejected. At least 14 companies are active, but coverage is moderate, so the picture could shift. Idaho now stands in stark contrast to neighboring Wyoming and Utah, where projects routinely clear local hurdles.
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A project document outlines a proposed data center campus in Mountain Home, Idaho, consisting of four buildings. The plan includes gas turbines, diesel backup generators, solar panels and cooling systems, but no developer or operator is identified.
Meta is continuing its data center expansion in Kuna, Idaho, with two additional buildings currently under construction. The report indicates the company’s local development is ongoing.
Butte County commissioner candidates discussed water, county finances and data centers. The available information does not identify a specific data center project, company, or government action.
An Idaho Press letter writer urges residents to oppose a proposed data center near Boise that would be built on 3,700 acres of public land. The writer argues the project would harm farmland and living conditions while producing limited long-term employment, and compares it with Meta's existing data center near Kuna.
Rhea Data, a subsidiary of Arevia Power, has proposed a roughly 4 million-square-foot data center on federal public land south of Boise near Blacks Creek Reservoir. The early-stage proposal is drawing concerns about electricity demand, wildlife, water use and impacts on nearby public lands, while the Bureau of Land Management reviews the application.
Blaine County enacted an emergency moratorium on data center development. The pause temporarily blocks or restricts data center activity while county officials address local concerns and regulations.
Blaine County commissioners adopted an emergency moratorium pausing data center permitting for 182 days. The pause gives the county’s Planning and Zoning Department time to draft new regulations and conduct public discussions before future projects can proceed.
Blaine County commissioners approved an emergency moratorium pausing data center permit applications amid growing interest in artificial intelligence infrastructure. The moratorium gives county planners 182 days to develop an ordinance and rules governing data center development.
Blaine County is considering a moratorium on data center development. The available article information does not specify the proposed moratorium's duration, scope, or when county officials will act.
The Idaho Statesman examines where Gov. Brad Little and his challengers stand on data center development. The discussion follows opposition from Boise Mayor Lauren McLean to a proposed data center on public land southeast of Boise and focuses on energy costs, water use, tax incentives and resource protection.
An opinion article argues that concerns about surveillance cameras and proposed artificial intelligence data centers are bringing politically diverse Idaho residents together. The proposed data center in Pocatello has prompted questions about electricity costs, water use, environmental impacts and who should bear the consequences of development.
U.S. Sen. Mike Crapo of Idaho voted for the Ratepayer Protection Act, which would prevent electricity customers from paying infrastructure costs associated with large artificial intelligence data centers. The legislation is intended to protect Idaho ratepayers from being charged for data center-related grid investments.
Bloomberg reports that Micron exceeded quarterly revenue and earnings expectations, helped by strong demand tied to artificial intelligence and data centers. The company also issued guidance above analyst forecasts, although its shares were little changed after the results.
This video explains how data center HVAC systems work, focusing on modern closed-loop cooling systems. Eric Sonner from Data Airflow describes these systems as highly efficient, requiring minimal water usage after an initial fill, and explains their water cleaning process for safe discharge. The discussion contrasts these systems with older, more water-intensive cooling towers.
An opinion piece discusses the Idaho Attorney General race, highlighting abortion and nuclear waste as key issues. One candidate, Lori Hickman, also laid out conditions for potential data centers at the Idaho National Laboratory, including self-sufficiency in water and electricity. The article suggests these issues may sway voters in the upcoming election.
Meta celebrated the grand opening of its new data center in Kuna, Idaho, which created numerous jobs and included significant local investments. The project features a closed water loop design to minimize water usage and aligns with a pledge to prevent local energy bill increases. This development is highlighted as a model for addressing common data center concerns and fostering economic growth.
An opinion piece from the Idaho Democratic Party chair criticizes the Trump administration and Governor Brad Little for fast-tracking data center developments on public lands in Idaho. Concerns are raised about the environmental impact, water and electricity demands, and the lack of public input. A 4-million-square-foot data center complex is being considered south of Boise.
The Pocatello City Council voted to deny Lex Developments a conditional use permit for an AI data center project for a second time, affirming a previous decision. The applicant, however, can reapply after a 12-month waiting period and has 28 days to file a petition for judicial review, potentially leading to a lawsuit against the city.
A large data center project proposed by Rhea Data on federal public land south of Boise, Idaho, is drawing strong opposition from Boise Mayor Lauren McLean and the Idaho Chapter of the Sierra Club. Concerns center on the project's size, its potential environmental impact, and demands on energy and water resources. The Bureau of Land Management is currently in a preliminary review phase for the proposal.
A subsidiary of Arevia Power, Rhea Data, has proposed a massive data center spanning 3,700 acres of federal public land south of Boise, Idaho. The Bureau of Land Management is in the early stages of reviewing the proposal, which includes a 4 million-square-foot facility with 600 megawatts of capacity. The Sierra Club and Boise Mayor Lauren McLean have voiced opposition due to environmental concerns and the use of public lands.