Data center activity in Montana
Montana's environment has weakened over the past quarter as opposition has proven highly effective, blocking at least 11 projects while only one advanced despite objections. Legal and regulatory pressure are significant, with at least 19 lawsuits filed and four regulatory restrictions adopted, along with at least 21 enacted moratoriums. No zoning decisions have been reported. At least 40 companies remain active, but Montana stands in stark contrast to neighboring Wyoming, where opposition usually loses.
Montana's environment has weakened over the past quarter as opposition has proven highly effective, blocking at least 11 projects while only one advanced despite objections. Legal and regulatory pressure are significant, with at least 19 lawsuits filed and four regulatory restrictions adopted, along with at least 21 enacted moratoriums. No zoning decisions have been reported. At least 40 companies remain active, but Montana stands in stark contrast to neighboring Wyoming, where opposition usually loses.
How is this scored?A Montana county is accepting questions and public comments related to a data center study. The available information does not identify the county, a specific project developer, or the study’s conclusions.
A Billings pulmonologist told Yellowstone County commissioners that a proposed Quantica data center could increase air pollution and public-health risks, particularly if it relies on natural-gas generation. Quantica says the project could generate nearly 1,800 jobs and support reliable power, while critics dispute its environmental impact.
Missoula County released a study supporting its one-year pause on new data center construction, citing potential electricity demand, greenhouse gas emissions, noise, wildlife and residential compatibility impacts. County officials plan to strengthen data center zoning, address electricity costs with NorthWestern Energy and the Montana Public Service Commission, and consider extending the moratorium after the 2027 legislative session.
Missoula County released a draft study warning that data center developments could pose risks to public health, safety and the natural environment. The study was required after the county enacted an emergency moratorium on data center permits in response to concerns about a proposed seven-megawatt AI data center in Bonner.
The article examines how rapidly expanding AI data centers are increasing electricity demand and putting pressure on power grids, utilities and ratepayers across the United States. It discusses projected consumption growth, infrastructure constraints, state utility-rate laws and efforts by developers to secure or build their own power supplies.
Missoula County is studying ways to reduce the impacts of data centers, including high power use, water-quality concerns, heat, noise and vibration. The study follows commissioners’ adoption of a one-year freeze on new data centers under emergency interim zoning laws.
The report concerns pushback against a proposed data center project in eastern Montana. No specific developer, locality, government action, or outcome is identified in the available text.
Missoula County will present findings from a study examining the impacts of data centers while its temporary moratorium on new or expanding facilities remains in place. The study is evaluating concerns including energy and water use, air quality, noise and vibration, and potential regulations.
Missoula County will host a public presentation and question-and-answer session on a draft study examining the impacts of data centers. The study follows the county commissioners' adoption of a one-year moratorium on new data centers and evaluates concerns including energy use, water impacts, air quality, heat, noise and vibration.
The Yellowstone County Commission initially approved a road use and maintenance agreement with Quantica Infrastructure for roads north of Billings that will support construction of a water well for its planned data center. The agreement requires Quantica to fund road improvements and provide a $250,000 bond, but does not approve the project’s land use, water or electricity plans.
Missoula County will release a study examining the potential impacts of data centers during the county’s one-year moratorium on data center development. Officials will present the findings at public meetings in October and November, where residents can provide feedback that could inform future regulations.
An opinion article endorses congressional candidate Sam Forstag and argues that data centers threaten Montana’s public lands, water resources, and electricity costs. It calls for federal oversight of AI and data center construction, including requirements for new facilities to provide their own energy and protect water sources.
Quantica Infrastructure is seeking approval to drill a deep well for a proposed data center near Broadview, Montana, with water use projected at 150,000 gallons per day during construction and 20,000 gallons per day afterward. Montana Conservation Voters and local residents are urging a more thorough review amid prolonged drought and are calling for stronger state protections, including a possible data center moratorium.
Democratic congressional candidate Brian Miller is making data centers a central issue in his campaign for Montana's eastern congressional district. He says residents need more control over data center development and discusses efforts to require voter approval for such projects.
The Great Falls Development Alliance will hold a data center task force meeting on Oct. 21 at Great Falls College MSU. Attorney Monica Tranel will discuss labor, water, electricity, noise and community benefits related to potential data center development, followed by public questions and next steps.
A Missoula city councilor has proposed a two-year moratorium on new data center developments, citing public opposition and environmental concerns. New data center proposals would also require a rezone approved by the City Council.
Missoula County staff will present a draft study on the potential effects of data centers at the Missoula County Fairgrounds on Oct. 27. The study is intended to help county leaders develop regulations addressing health, safety and environmental concerns while a one-year moratorium on new or expanded data centers outside city limits remains in effect.
The Missoula City Council approved development-code amendments that close a loophole allowing data centers in facilities where they occupied less than half of the space. The city plans to consider additional data center regulations, while Council Member Kristin Jordan said she intends to propose a moratorium on new data center applications.
Yellowstone County commissioners authorized a lawsuit seeking judicial review of a proposed ballot initiative targeting Quantica Infrastructure’s planned hyperscale data center near Broadview. The initiative would require two-thirds voter approval for data center operations, establish interim zoning to pause and study the project, and require broad disclosure of county communications with the data center industry.
Montana officials are seeking public comment on a proposed well near Broadview in Yellowstone County to supply Quantica’s Big Sky Campus. The well could provide up to 150,000 gallons of water per day during construction and 20,000 gallons daily for drinking water afterward, with potential future cooling use.