No Unregulated data centers
Rural communities all over the country have been fighting the wave of AI data centers. In addition to the presence of an ugly piece of infrastructure that is constantly loud as a jet engine, the cooling systems use a massive amount of water and electricity.
Yet, last November, Governor Gianforte announced he signed agreements to allow foreign businesses to explore data center projects in the state. And, in April of last year, Montana became the first state to enshrine “Right to Compute” into Law, whichcould make it very difficult to regulate data centers.
While the governor has said the data centers are “going to produce their own power,” I would like to see evidence. These companies are notoriously tight-lipped, approved by commissioners before locals have access to that kind of information.
He also claimed that data centers would not be built where water is precious; why, then, is one being built in Broadview, where the New York Times reported many residents don’t do laundry and shower at the same time due to limited water flow?
Climate Justice Alliance Fact Sheet
“Gianforte Promotes Montana for Data-Center Development,” Missoula Current. November 21, 2025
“Right to compute” laws may be coming for your state this year,” VKTR. January 30, 2026
“Governor Gianforte Speaks on AI Data Centers in Montana,” K’MON Country Radio. April 29, 2026
“You can’t stop this data center, a mom was told. She won’t quit,” New York Times. May 31, 2026
