Opinion contributor argues South Dakota should support data center and AI development
An opinion submission argues that South Dakota should continue supporting artificial intelligence and data center development. It claims recent legislation, including SB 128 and SB 135, places limits and conditions on data center power and water use, while noting the state has not required operators to generate their own power or use closed-loop water systems.
A contributor to the Rapid City Journal’s “Two Cents” section criticizes opposition to data centers and argues that South Dakota needs to advance artificial intelligence to remain competitive with China. The writer says data centers in the state are subject to power- and water-use rules.
The submission cites SB 128 and SB 135, passed during the year, as measures that establish limits and conditions for data center water and electricity consumption. It also notes that South Dakota has not adopted requirements for data centers to generate their own power or use closed-loop water systems. The piece is an opinion submission and does not identify a specific project or company.