Gov. Gianforte Signs President’s Pledge to Protect Montana Taxpayers from AI Data Centers

AI data centers have been a hot button topic as of late. With so much talk about where data centers will land, many have a right to be concerned for their land and how incoming data centers will impact the community, our economy and of course, our environment and resources.

Governor Gianforte is taking steps to alleviate concerns from Montana consumers.

Governor Gianforte Pledges to Protect American Taxpayers

In a press release announced on Wednesday, July 8th, Montana Governor Gianforte announced he signed President Trump's Ratepayer Protection Pledge to protect taxpayers.

"President Trump has called on the leading U.S. hyperscalers and AI companies to build, bring, or buy all of the energy needed for building and operating data centers, paying the full cost of their energy and infrastructure, no matter what," Governor Gianforte said in his statement.

ALSO READ: Deadline for COVID-19 Tax Refund is This Friday, Which Montanans Qualify?

"As part of the Ratepayer Protection Pledge, companies agree to protect American consumers from price hikes due to data center energy and infrastructure requirements, and lower electricity costs for consumers in the long term. Montana is proud to join the shared commitment to protect ratepayers."

Hey, you have to admit - it all sounds good, right? But will this be enough to satisfy the concerns of Montanans?

President Trump's Ratepayer Protection Pledge

Because this is a "pledge", it isn't law and doesn't legally regulate anything in particular.

The pledge, according to the press release, puts the infrastructure, energy, and natural resource responsibilities and costs solely on the AI data center companies.

Get our free mobile app

What do you think? Is this pledge enough or is there more you want done? Let me know what questions you would have for the governor regarding his pledge commitment HERE.

Speaking of development, you might have heard Janicki is coming to Great Falls. There are a lot of questions surrounding their big move but thankfully, we have most of them answered by the folks over at Janicki.