BSDI FAQ vs. Montana Data Center Resistance Group
Key Issues Comparison

Topic

BSDI View

Montana Data Center Resistance Counter-Point

Power Supply

Project will add new generation, batteries and 'pay its own way' to avoid raising existing customers' electricity costs.

Independent review should verify assumptions. Large new loads may still require transmission upgrades, operational changes, or future capacity additions. Residents may seek enforceable guarantees and long-term monitoring.

Water Use

Company states facilities are designed to minimize water use and recent designs use water only for domestic purposes rather than cooling.

Community may request legally binding water-use limits, drought contingency plans, groundwater monitoring, and independent verification over the project's lifetime.

Electricity Costs

BSDI says ratepayers will not subsidize project power and new generation protects customers.

Opponents may question indirect cost recovery, transmission expenses, future utility investments, and whether commitments remain enforceable if the project expands.

Environment

Renewables, batteries and modern design reduce environmental footprint.

Construction, land conversion, wildlife habitat, visual impacts, emissions from backup generators, and cumulative regional impacts deserve full environmental review.

Economic Benefits

Construction jobs, permanent technical jobs, tax revenue and local business growth.

Residents may ask how many permanent local jobs will exist, wage levels, tax abatements, and whether public incentives exceed public benefits.

Land Use

Large campus on privately owned land near infrastructure.

Community may seek stronger local land-use controls, setbacks, buffering, and preservation of agricultural and rural character.

Transparency

Company states commitment to community engagement.

Residents may request public disclosure of water, power, noise, emissions, emergency plans, and regular independent reporting.

Quality of Life

Modern campus intended to coexist with local communities.

Potential concerns include traffic, construction disruption, noise, lighting, industrialization of rural landscapes, and property values.

Infrastructure

Investment in fiber, transmission and regional infrastructure.

Community may ask who pays for supporting roads, emergency services, utilities and long-term maintenance.

Community Voice

BSDI emphasizes local partnerships and Montana-first approach.

Residents may request binding community benefit agreements, stronger local decision-making authority, and meaningful opportunities to influence project approvals.