Montana Senator Proposes Ban on State Data Centers

Ellie Boldman, a Montana State Senator, proposed legislation to outlaw data centers within the state. The proposal targets the environmental impact of these facilities, specifically their high consumption of water and power.

Critics of the ban argue that the economic output of data centers justifies their resource use. Opponents contend that these facilities generate more economic value per gallon of water than other water-intensive industries, such as almond farming and golf course irrigation. They further suggest that ongoing technological advancements will continue to reduce the environmental footprint of data centers.