Missoula Study Flags Risks During Data Center Moratorium

Missoula County’s study found that data centers could pose risks involving electricity demand and costs, greenhouse gas emissions, water and air quality, noise, wildlife and compatibility with nearby homes, supporting the county’s temporary pause on new projects. County officials say the next step is to develop stronger, tailored zoning rules and explore ways to prevent impacts and keep electricity costs from shifting to consumers. The county may seek to extend its one-year moratorium while it works on regulations, though a permanent ban is unlikely under Montana’s Right to Compute Act. Residents were invited to a public presentation and Q&A on the draft study.