What’s happening in South Dakota
South Dakota's statewide moratorium effort stalled, but the state took a different approach that may prove more effective.
SB 232, proposing a one-year moratorium on hyperscale data centers, stalled in committee. But SB 135 passed and was signed into law — it prohibits the state from limiting local governments' authority to regulate or ban data centers.
This effectively shifts the data center fight to municipalities, where motivated community groups have proven they can move the needle faster than state legislatures.
Why South Dakota residents are concerned
Local control. SB 135 enshrines local authority — a recognition that the communities bearing the impacts should have the power to make decisions about data center development.
Agricultural land. South Dakota's economy depends on agriculture. Converting farmland to industrial data center use raises long-term food security and economic concerns.
How to oppose a data center in South Dakota
Attend your county commission or city council meetings. Local elected officials control zoning and land use decisions. Public comment periods are your most direct opportunity to voice opposition. Bring specific concerns — water impact, property values, electricity rates, noise — and reference relevant state and local legislation.
Send a formal opposition letter. Written opposition becomes part of the public record and carries significant weight with commissioners. Letters should cite specific concerns, reference relevant statutes, and be addressed to every commissioner by name. We handle this for you →
Organize your neighbors. Join or create a local opposition group. More than 833 community groups across 49 states are actively fighting data center developments. Strength in numbers changes votes.
Engage state legislators. Contact your state representative and senator. Tell them you support regulatory frameworks that protect communities from data center impacts — including moratoriums, ratepayer protections, and environmental review requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a data center moratorium in South Dakota?
The statewide moratorium (SB 232) stalled, but SB 135 was signed into law, protecting local governments' authority to regulate or ban data centers.
How can I oppose a data center in South Dakota?
Attend your county commission or city council meetings, submit formal opposition letters to your elected officials, and engage with state-level legislation. More than 833 community groups across 49 states are actively fighting data center developments. We can research your local officials and send a personalized opposition letter on your behalf for you.
How much water does a data center use?
A single hyperscale data center can consume up to 1 million gallons of water per day during peak cooling. AI data centers consumed roughly 17 billion gallons nationally in 2023, projected to reach 68 billion gallons by 2028.
Do data centers lower property values?
Research consistently shows that proximity to industrial infrastructure — including data centers — can negatively impact residential property values. Windowless warehouse-scale buildings, diesel generators, and continuous noise are incompatible with residential neighborhoods.