Shoshone-Bannock FHBC Opposition to Pocatello Data Center (2026)
Shoshone-Bannock Tribes (Fort Hall) — FHBC Formal Opposition to Pocatello AI Data Center
Shoshone-Bannock Tribes (Fort Hall Reservation) · Fort Hall Business Council (FHBC) — Formal Opposition to Lex Developments Pocatello AI Data Center (July 2026)
- Status
- In effect
- Took effect
- July 1, 2026
- Applies to
- Lex Developments (applicant); Pocatello City Council (decision-maker in appeal proceeding)
- Enforced by
- Fort Hall Business Council (tribal advocacy); Pocatello City Council (permit authority)
The Fort Hall Business Council (FHBC), the governing body of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes (Fort Hall Reservation, Idaho), issued formal opposition to the proposed Lex Developments 100-megawatt AI data center in Pocatello, Idaho ahead of a July 16, 2026 City Council appeal hearing. The proposed site lies within Shoshone-Bannock ceded lands and historical homelands where members retain Treaty Rights. The FHBC cited the developer's failure to address concerns about electricity-rate increases, liquid-cooling water demand, on-site generation and potential chemical additives, and environmental impacts on Treaty resources. The Hearing Examiner had denied the conditional use permit on May 14; the developer appealed June 1.
Who is protected: Shoshone-Bannock tribal members with Treaty Rights and cultural connections to Pocatello ceded lands; general Pocatello community
Legal detail
Fort Hall Business Council (FHBC) formal opposition to Lex Developments' proposed 100 MW AI data center — Pocatello, ID City Council appeal hearing, July 16, 2026. Procedural context: Hearing Examiner Kathleen Lewis denied conditional use permit May 14, 2026 following permit hearing. Developer Lex Developments appealed June 1, 2026. FHBC filed formal opposition letter in advance of City Council appeal hearing. Treaty Rights basis: proposed site is within Shoshone-Bannock ceded lands and historical homelands; Shoshone-Bannock members retain Treaty Rights and cultural connections to the proposed location. Concerns raised: (1) likely electricity-rate increases; (2) liquid-cooling water demand; (3) on-site generation water consumption and potential chemical additives; (4) environmental impacts on Treaty resources. Relevant state law: Idaho HB 895 (2026) prohibits new data centers from using water for cooling as a consumptive use unless available from a municipality. Note: Opposition to a permitting proceeding, not a moratorium or ordinance on tribal land.
Key facts
| Jurisdiction | Shoshone-Bannock Tribes (Fort Hall Reservation) |
|---|---|
| Level | State |
| Strength | Limited |
| Enacted | July 1, 2026 |
| Citation | Fort Hall Business Council (FHBC) — Formal Opposition to Lex Developments Pocatello AI Data Center (July 2026) |
| Private right of action | No, agency enforcement only |
| Topics | data-center siting and energy · government use of AI · police and surveillance AI |
| Agency page | Shoshone-Bannock Tribes reaffirm opposition to proposed AI data center in Pocatello — Shoshone-Bannock Tribes official website |
Related data-center siting and energy rules elsewhere
- Superior WI Data Center Moratorium (1-year) · In effect
- Dane County WI Hyperscale Data Center Moratorium · In effect
- Madison WI Data Center Moratorium (1-year) · In effect
- Manitowoc County WI Data Center Moratorium · In effect
- WA SB 5982 (Data Center / Clean Energy) · In effect
- Dayton OH data center moratorium (180-day, Apr 2026) · In effect
See something wrong or out of date? Submit a correction. Every entry must carry a verifiable source.