Austin Wolf

On concerns about hyperscale data centers

Citizens aren’t against growth—but they are concerned about who benefits and who pays the cost. The biggest concerns I hear are around energy and water usage, strain on local infrastructure, and lack of transparency in how these projects are approved. Hyperscale data centers require massive amounts of electricity and cooling, which can put pressure on our grid and raise long-term costs for residents. There’s also concern about tax incentives. People want to know: are we giving away too much to attract these projects, while homeowners continue to face rising property taxes? Finally, there’s a trust issue. Decisions that impact entire communities are often made quickly, without clear communication or input from the people who live there. South Dakotans believe in growth—but we also believe in fairness, accountability, and making sure our communities aren’t left holding the bill.

How they’d address those concerns

We can support responsible growth and protect our communities—but it requires clear rules and transparency. First, we need full public disclosure of energy, water, and infrastructure impact before projects are approved. No surprises after the fact. Second, any tax incentives must come with accountability. If public dollars or tax breaks are involved, there should be clear benchmarks—job creation, local investment, and long-term community benefit. Third, we need to protect ratepayers. Large-scale users should carry their fair share of infrastructure costs so homeowners aren’t subsidizing corporate expansion through higher utility bills. And finally, local communities need a real voice. These decisions shouldn’t happen behind closed doors—they should involve the people they directly affect. Growth is coming to South Dakota. My job is to make sure it works for the people who already call this place home.