Lawsuit Challenges Missoula Data Center Zoning Ordinance

The Goldwater Institute is challenging a new ordinance adopted by the City of Missoula that changed zoning rules for data centers. The plaintiffs claim this measure violates Montana’s “Right to Compute Act,” which is designed to limit government infringement on property owner rights. Cub Cloud A-I, a Missoula-based firm, is represented in the lawsuit, stating the ordinance makes it impossible for the company to grow its operations or provide certain services in Missoula.

The legal challenge directly questions the City Council’s authority to regulate data center construction through local ordinances. Missoula’s City Attorney stated that the City plans to vigorously defend the City Council’s decision, maintaining that the state law does not grant data center companies the right to locate wherever they please.