Data Centers Could Bring Prosperity to Rural Montana

June 10th, 2026

By Rep. Shane Klakken, HD 37

As folks across Central Montana tune into the news, the talk of big data centers popping up in places like Great Falls, Butte, and Billings raises some understandable questions. In tight-knit rural communities like Lewistown, we value our way of life—open spaces, reliable ranches, affordable power, and careful use of our water. Change can feel unsettling, especially when it involves high-tech giants. But before we dismiss these projects, let’s separate fact from fiction, just as our neighbors deserve straight talk rooted in common sense.

Data centers use a lot of electricity—there’s no denying that. Yet history shows us that large industrial users often make power more affordable for everyone. Back when electricity first spread, big factories and mills justified building the big generators and lines. Once that infrastructure was in place, hooking up homes and small businesses became cheaper. Today’s data centers are taking it further with “Bring Your Own Power.” Companies like Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and others are investing billions in new nuclear plants, grid upgrades, and even relocating power facilities to meet their needs without burdening everyday Montanans.

Here in Montana, the Public Service Commission stands ready to protect ratepayers. If a utility tries to shift costs unfairly onto families and farms, the PSC can step in. These tech firms aren’t just showing up with their hands out—they’re bringing the resources to expand capacity. More power generation can mean more reliable, affordable energy for our homes, schools, and local businesses, not less.

Water use sparks similar worries, especially in our dry landscapes. But most modern data centers favor air cooling, which works particularly well in Montana’s cool climate. Only a small percentage rely on liquid cooling, and many use recycled or non-potable water in closed-loop systems that cut consumption dramatically. The scary headlines claiming millions of gallons per day often mix apples and oranges—counting power plant water, chip manufacturing overseas, and everything else. It’s exaggerated fear-mongering from the same groups that fight most any new development in our state.

The real opportunity? Economic strength for rural Montana. Data centers deliver serious tax revenue. In Virginia’s Loudoun County, they cover nearly the entire local budget, allowing property tax cuts for residents. That kind of boost could help our counties fund roads, schools, and services without constantly squeezing family ranches and businesses. Construction brings hundreds of good jobs upfront, followed by steady operational roles—engineers, technicians, security, and maintenance. Each data center job can spark several more in supporting industries.

Even better, these facilities could anchor a revival of Montana’s supply chain. Our state sits on rich critical minerals needed for tech. Bringing digital infrastructure here makes it more likely we’ll process and manufacture closer to home instead of shipping everything overseas. Stable power demand from data centers can also support new energy projects, creating a virtuous cycle of growth.

We Montanans have always been practical optimists—harnessing resources responsibly while building better lives for our kids. The alternative is watching the future pass us by while clinging to limited energy and saying “no” to opportunity. Data centers won’t turn Central Montana into a big city, but they can deliver jobs, tax relief, and investment that strengthen our rural communities without sacrificing what we love.

Let’s approach this with clear eyes and Montana values: protect our ratepayers, use resources wisely, and welcome responsible growth that puts local families first, protects our environment, and does not harm our water supply. The economy of tomorrow is coming—Montana should lead it, not fear it.