Morton County commissioners impose temporary moratorium on data centers and cryptocurrency mining

The Morton County Commission voted unanimously Sept. 12 to impose a temporary moratorium on the development of data center and cryptocurrency mining facilities in the county until zoning standards for those uses are adopted. Commissioner Zachmeier moved the measure and Commissioner Morrell seconded; all voted aye.

Chair Nathan Boehm opened a public hearing on the proposed moratorium at 6:00 PM and closed it at 6:05 PM. Steve Tomac, chair for the regional organization Mor‑Gran‑Sou, asked the board about the timeframe for the moratorium; the board took no additional timebound action, instead adopting the moratorium while staff and commissioners work on zoning language and regulations.

The commission’s motion directs that development of these facilities be paused countywide while Morton County develops zoning standards for data centers and cryptocurrency mines. The motion did not include a specific expiration date; commissioners stated the moratorium will remain in effect until the county adopts the new zoning provisions. The county did not provide a deadline for completing that work during the meeting.

The action follows the public hearing and was adopted unanimously. The commission did not adopt implementing language or a timeline at the meeting; next procedural steps will be preparation of zoning standards and follow‑up hearings or ordinances as required by county process.