Sioux Falls Groups Seek Protections as Gemini Data Center Advances
Grassroots organizations in Sioux Falls are urging city leaders to impose a temporary moratorium on the proposed 500-megawatt Gemini data center. They want the city to adopt data center-specific rules addressing electricity demand, water use, setbacks and other impacts before the project advances further.
Grassroots organizations and residents gathered in downtown Sioux Falls to call for stronger protections as the proposed Gemini data center moves forward. The 500-megawatt facility, planned between Sioux Falls and Brandon near Veterans Parkway, could become one of the region's largest developments of its kind. Residents have raised concerns about its electricity demand, water usage and the adequacy of existing city regulations.
Organizers are seeking a temporary moratorium—not a permanent rejection of Gemini—while Sioux Falls develops ordinances specifically governing data centers. The Sioux Falls City Council has already approved rezoning and a subdivision plan for the project. Existing provisions include minimum setbacks of 45 to 200 feet on different sides of the building in areas zoned as conservation land.