Some Montanans are taking data center regulation into their own hands

Montana citizens seek voter control over new data centers through upcoming ballot measures.

Local leaders in Butte-Silver Bow, Yellowstone, and Missoula counties have launched petitions to require voter approval for new or expanded data centers. This represents a structural shift in how data center development may be regulated at the county level, bypassing limited state oversight.

Denise Kelly, founder of the 406 People First nonprofit, initiated a petition effort in Butte-Silver Bow in February. Yellowstone County’s petition, led by Kassi Solberg, aims to gather 16,560 signatures by August 12, while Butte requires 3,652 signatures by late August, with nearly 1,500 already collected there. Missoula County is reviewing a permit for Idaho-based Krambu’s data center amid opposition, while Houston-based Quantica plans a massive 5,000-acre project with a requested 7,235 megawatt power increase. Sabey Corporation withdrew from a Butte deal in May but is seeking other Montana sites.

Petition signature drives continue through August; if successful, ballot measures will appear in November. Missoula’s permit decision is expected in early July.

Montana’s limited state regulations on data centers may prompt more counties to adopt direct voter input, reflecting local concerns about environmental and community impacts. Given Montana’s political culture favoring grassroots action and its vast geography, such citizen-led initiatives could influence how energy-intensive projects gain acceptance or face resistance statewide.

How some Montanans are taking data center regulation into their own hands
By Nick Mott, Mountain Journal, Montana Free Press