By Hailey Monaco, KTVQ
ChatGPT uses 10 times more power than a regular Google search, according to Anne Hedges, the executive director of the Montana Environmental Information Center (MEIC).
“They need a monstrous amount of power,” Hedges said.
Hedges is hoping for regulations in Montana. According to Multistate.us, 40 states proposed legislation around artificial intelligence in 2025, including 16 states considering water usage laws.
“Right now, Montana is a free-for-all. Any data center who wants to come here has very few rules,” Hedges said. “If all of these facilities that want to get built are going to rely on fossil fuels, we are going to absolutely see more rain in winter months moving forward. That is just what’s going to happen.”
