Data Centers

[Nameless Range]

I think @Outlaw99's story about the use of Eminent Domain to support these operations is a powerful one, and one I would be bringing up with local decision makers who could influence their likelihood. The idea of Rancher Bob's ag fields being co-opted by government-as-proxy for companies, in the name of utilities that these behemoths may require, is gonna turn the guts of most Montanans I know regardless of their partisan preference.

 

[Wind Gypsy]

Endless $ to monitor our every thought and move.. The future the uniparty globalists have for us.

 

[Outlaw99]

I’ll admit, I was as supportive of Trump as anyone, though not a MAGA fanatic……but the best choice of the available options at the time…. Within a month, he made he big proclamation regarding the US BIG investment in becoming the leader of AI. For better or worse, I feel like he’s kept that promise. Between AI expansion and the result of his foreign policy’s on ag commodities, it all hasn’t played out so well in my little world. I also understand that this is extreme backyarditis from my perspective alone.

 

[Nunjagottam]

I’ll admit, I was as supportive of Trump as anyone, though not a MAGA fanatic……but the best choice of the available options at the time…. Within a month, he made he big proclamation regarding the US BIG investment in becoming the leader of AI. For better or worse, I feel like he’s kept that promise. Between AI expansion and the result of his foreign policy’s on ag commodities, it all hasn’t played out so well in my little world. I also understand that this is extreme backyarditis from my perspective alone.

Nothing wrong with NIMBYism when the proposal will completely transform the use and function of the landscape. Sometimes its the only ground David has to stand against Goliath.

 

[rogerthat]

If you have a conservation easement in place does eminent domain supersede that?

 

[Irrelevant]

So, they max out all available local support but need to bring in additional manpower? I dont see the validity of this complaint/argument. If they're hiring everyone available from the area, I'd say the company has met or exceeded its obligation to the community. Big projects require diverse and specialized skillsets. When you max out the manpower and skillets available locally you must bring in outside help in order to get the job done.
I dont like these facilities getting built any more than the next guy, but the local jobs complaint is a red herring.
The ire should be focused on the City and County planning boards who approve this shit without conducting any meaningful due diligence on how their constituents will be affected.
We can and should try to make it to every meeting. But most of these big projects are multiple meetings, usually during business hours when John Q Public is at work unable to attend. So, the City/County board sees who's at the meetings (usually just the project representatives and their backers) and say "Hey, everyone who really cares is here @10am on Thursday. Nobody local is here to oppose? APROVED!... (I hope they name one of the cooling towers after me)...."

That wasn't really my point, it was that they're going to come in and talk about these huge amounts of money they're putting into the local economy. My point was that the vast majority of it is passed through and out of the community.

 

[Nunjagottam]

That wasn't really my point, it was that they're going to come in and talk about these huge amounts of money they're putting into the local economy. My point was that the vast majority of it is passed through and out of the community.

Ya, we're on the same page. I was stating the Devil's advocate position. The cost vs benefit is severely lopsided to the data company. The temporary benefit to the local economy pales in comparison vs the longterm detriment to the rural lifestyle via noise, traffic and infrastructure stress.

 

[Southern Elk]

I think @Outlaw99's story about the use of Eminent Domain to support these operations is a powerful one, and one I would be bringing up with local decision makers who could influence their likelihood. The idea of Rancher Bob's ag fields being co-opted by government-as-proxy for companies, in the name of utilities that these behemoths may require, is gonna turn the guts of most Montanans I know regardless of their partisan preference.

Several years back a Japanese automaker built a manufacturing facility not far from my hometown. It was built on farmland. Some of the owners fought it. Why should they have to sellout to a foreign auto maker, if they don’t want to? The land had been in their families for generations. In the end, the land was taken through eminent domain. For the good of the people. Total BS if you ask me.

 

[JMG]

There are plans to build a Data Center in Broadview, MT (north of Billings). Some locals are already opposed to the Data Center, and some are open to it. I will admit, I am not in favor of more businesses coming into Montana to build. My reason is selfish and I admit it ... I have lived here for the last 50+ years. Montana experienced a growth in population last year and year before. The problem, IMO, Montanans don't want people coming and bringing their "State" here ... Montanans want people to come here and be part of Montana and the Montana way. Most of the time people leave a State because of "such-and-such" and then when they come here, they try to change Montana to the very reason they just left. I bring this up, because these Data Centers or whatever business comes to your area/State requires jobs. This means more people. Being honest here ... I enjoy getting out and not running into a lot of folks while hunting, fishing, hiking, or whatever outdoor activity.