Nearly 75% of Montana voters oppose new AI data centers due to electricity and local concerns.

A recent poll by Montana Free Press-Rutgers Eagleton reveals broad opposition across party lines to expanding data centers in Montana cities and counties. This opposition reflects deeper tensions over energy costs, environmental impacts, and economic benefits. The issue is now a significant factor in voter decision-making ahead of the November 2026 election.

The poll, conducted from August 27 to September 7, 2026, found that 92% of voters want state government regulation to limit data centers’ effects on electricity prices. While 45% see data centers as job creators, 49% disagree. Grassroots petitions in Butte-Silver Bow and Yellowstone counties seek moratoriums, and legislative committees are actively discussing regulatory bills for the 2027 session. NorthWestern Energy’s agreements to supply power to proposed facilities have heightened concerns about rising costs for existing customers. Anne Hedges of the Montana Environmental Information Center described the poll results as a “red flag” highlighting skepticism about whether Montana benefits from the AI boom.

Legislators plan to consider bills next year directing the Public Service Commission to protect residential and small business electricity users.

Montana’s wide-open spaces and relatively low population density might initially appear attractive for data centers, but local resistance could slow growth. Concerns about rising electricity prices and environmental impacts may resonate strongly in communities valuing self-reliance and resource stewardship, potentially shaping how businesses and lawmakers approach AI infrastructure development statewide.

Poll: Nearly 75% of Montana registered voters oppose new data centers
By Ellis Juhlin, Montana Free Press