Montana Wants Data Centers. Most Voters Don’t Want One Nearby.

Data Centers Face Strong Opposition From Voters Across Montana

Montana is trying to attract builders from the data center industry. The problem is most Montanans don't want a data center built in their community or even in a neighboring county.

And maybe the most interesting part is that this isn't really a partisan issue.

Montana Wants Data Centers, But Most Voters Don't Want Them Nearby

According to a new Montana Free Press-Rutgers Eagleton poll, nearly three-quarters of registered Montana voters oppose data centers being built in their city or a neighboring county. Opposition was higher among Democrats, but a majority of Republicans and Independents were also opposed.

That creates an interesting disconnect between the companies looking to build here in Montana and the people who already live here and are worried about the potential impacts, including concerns about higher energy costs.

That's where a huge majority of Montana residents seem to agree.

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The Bigger Montana Data Center Question May Be Who Pays

Ninety-two percent of registered voters surveyed said the state should create regulations to limit the impact data centers have on electricity prices.

At the same time, it's not like everyone thinks data centers are bad for Montana. Forty-five percent of those surveyed said building data centers would be good for the economy and create jobs, while 49% disagreed.

Honestly, I don't think this is simply a case of everyone agreeing that data centers are bad. It's more about whether we need to be thoughtful and careful about how we plan for these new facilities and who ultimately pays for them.

As Anne Hedges, the executive director of the Montana Environmental Information Center, told the Montana Free Press: