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Missoula County Adopts Temporary Moratorium on Data Centers
Missoula County pauses new data center development for one year to update regulations and study potential environmental and public health impacts.
- On Thursday, Missoula County commissioners approved a one-year moratorium on new AI data centers countywide, effective immediately, to allow time for developing comprehensive regulations around their operations.
- Opposition to a proposed AI data center in Bonner drove the decision, with the project stalling this week after the property owner withdrew support for the development.
- Public testimony focused on water quality, noise pollution, and heat impacts, with Commissioner Josh Slotnick noting the county's zoning is "pretty darn good circa 2021" but insufficient for modern AI data centers.
- Effective immediately, the county will not accept new data center applications for one year while the Planning, Development and Sustainability Department initiates a study within 30 days to develop new standards.
- Commissioner Dave Strohmaier emphasized the need for a "deliberative, methodical approach" to assess community impacts, as officials anticipate AI industry lobbying during Montana's 2027 legislative session.
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Missoula County adopts temporary moratorium on data centers: The interim freeze could prohibit new or expanded data centers in the county, excluding Missoula
The Missoula County commissioners Thursday approved a temporary moratorium on data centers, citing the potential impacts on public health and the environment.
Montana Free Press+2 Reposted by 2 other sources
Missoula County adopts temporary moratorium on data centers
The interim zoning proposal introduced by county staff pauses the development of new or expanding data centers for up to a year while the county updates its regulations to mitigate potential impacts on public health, safety and natural resources. The post Missoula County adopts temporary moratorium on data centers appeared first on Montana Free Press.
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Total News Sources15
Leaning Left1Leaning Right0Center13Last UpdatedBias Distribution93% Center
Bias Distribution
- 93% of the sources are Center
93% Center
C 93%
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