Data center moratorium passes in Yankton County, South Dakota

YANKTON COUNTY, S.D. – The Yankton County Commissioners unanimously enacted a six-month moratorium on data center and Bitcoin mining facility construction following a public meeting on Tuesday. The decision, which came after nearly an hour of public comment, saw the commission approve a shorter temporary ban than the initially proposed 12-month period. Commissioners retain the option to extend the moratorium for an additional six months if a comprehensive ordinance for data centers has not been drafted by then.

The temporary halt aims to provide county officials with time to thoroughly study the potential economic and environmental impacts of data center development within the county. This period will allow for the creation of specific regulations and guidelines. Commissioner’s Chair John Marquardt indicated that the county intends to develop a robust ordinance plan, potentially leveraging studies from other areas rather than "reinventing the wheel." He also noted a preference for smaller, 10-20 MW data centers over larger 500 MW facilities.

During the public comment session, residents expressed varied opinions. Walker Hunhoff voiced concerns about the long-term economic reliance on data centers, describing it as "putting a band-aid on a gashing wound." Conversely, Nancy Wenande emphasized the importance of informed decisions based on facts rather than fear.

In addition to enacting the moratorium, the commissioners directed the planning and zoning commission to immediately commence work on drafting a new ordinance. This ordinance will establish the necessary guidelines for any future data center development within Yankton County.