# Commissioners' Public Meeting November 12, 2026


**Body:** Missoula County
**Date:** November 11, 2026
**Jurisdiction:** SLED

**Tags:** Information Technology, Energy & Utilities, Digital Infrastructure, Regulatory Compliance


Missoula County Commissioners’ public meeting, November 12, 2026: Staff presented a draft study of data-center impacts, prepared following the county’s July 2026 interim zoning moratorium. The study identified 13 potential impact areas, including water use and quality, backup-generator emissions, energy demand and greenhouse gases, noise, heat, wildlife, and utility costs. Staff recommended developing updated countywide zoning to address impacts within the county’s authority, continuing participation in Montana Public Service Commission proceedings to limit cost-shifting and stranded-asset risks, and engaging on related state-level issues. Staff said completing zoning could require extending the moratorium; a commissioner stated there would be no gap in protections, with an extension to be considered separately. Public commenters largely urged stronger zoning and a second-year moratorium extension, while raising environmental, health, ratepayer, and economic concerns.

A commissioner moved to accept the study and direct staff to pursue the recommended zoning and state-level engagement, including continued participation in Northwestern Energy’s large-load tariff proceeding; the motion was seconded. The transcript ends during the call for a vote, so the outcome is not available. The county also reported claims totaling $874,957.50 for October 28–November 4, 2026; no specific contract award, solicitation, vendor selection, or capital purchase was identified.

**Source:** Missoula County