CANTON, S.D. — The Lincoln County Commission has initiated steps toward a public debate on a potential year-long moratorium on the construction and operation of AI hyperscale data centers. The commission’s unanimous 5-0 vote on January 27 was a procedural requirement to allow for public discussion, but did not endorse any specific policy at this stage.
The proposal, put forth by Commissioner Joel Arends, seeks to ban the development of data centers of any size and all data storage facilities on unincorporated county lands for a duration of one year. Exceptions would be made for existing data centers and those deemed essential for public safety or emergency services. Arends emphasized that the focus of the moratorium is on “AI hyperscale data centers” that require a power service of 100 megawatts or more.
“I’m inclined to deviate down to 50 megawatts, as there is no traditional data center here in Lincoln County using that much energy,” Arends stated. He added that the moratorium would align the county with a growing number of jurisdictions nationwide that are re-evaluating their regulations on data centers, allowing Lincoln County ample time to establish its own guidelines.
Arends expressed a desire for community involvement in decision-making surrounding these projects. “I want residents to play a role in the decision-making process on the front end of these projects,” he said. “I think it’s just good governance and a good order of operations.” This sentiment was echoed by Commissioner Tiffani Landeen, who also supports a pause on development but has proposed a shorter moratorium period.
Landeen’s draft suggests a three-month moratorium instead of a year, which she argued would give time to craft clearer standards for prospective data centers. “I’m a pro-business person, I’m not an anti-data center person,” she noted. “I also think that the businesses want clearer rules — they don’t want uncertainty.” Commissioner Betty Otten concurred, asserting that a year is excessive and that objectives could likely be met within three months.
During a public comment period, over a dozen residents voiced their support for a year-long moratorium. Many argued that a year is insufficient time for thorough discussion and planning, with one resident, Michelle Jensen, pointing out that previous issues, such as carbon pipelines, required two to three years of deliberation. “I agree … that a year is hardly anything,” Jensen remarked.
The specific terms of the proposed moratorium are still under consideration, with both Arends and Landeen acknowledging they have potential revisions in mind. The drafts will be made available for public review prior to the commission’s public hearing scheduled for February 24.
This potential moratorium reflects a broader trend as communities across the United States grapple with the implications of rapid technological advances in AI and data storage. As cities and counties evaluate their infrastructure and regulatory frameworks to accommodate these changes, Lincoln County’s actions may serve as a significant case study in balancing innovation with community needs and environmental considerations.
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