MEIC panelists urge cities, counties and residents to prepare now for data-center proposals

Panelists spent the final portion of the event answering audience questions about nuclear energy, utility mergers and what cities and residents can do.

When asked whether nuclear could be a 'baby step' to replace coal or gas, Anne Hedges rejected the idea and recommended solar, storage and geothermal as more practical near-term options. On utility mergers, Hedges warned a merger of multi-state utilities could reduce Montana-specific oversight and make rate and transparency issues harder to track.

Speakers advised city councils to adopt zoning language that explicitly addresses data centers, require conditional-use permits and coordinate with county delegations to request legislative protections. Organizers closed by asking attendees to sign up for MEIC and Climate Smart Missoula alerts so citizens can weigh in when bills are introduced.