SIOUX FALL, SD (Mitchell Now) – A group of 19 legislative candidates from
across South Dakota have formally signed the Data Center Accountability Pledge (D-CAP),
committing to taking action on data center expansion in the state and pledging to protect
“consumer, communities, and the environment” if elected to office.


“This pledge represents a meaningful commitment to action, not just rhetoric,” said Amanda
Potter, South Dakota House of Representatives candidate from District 9 (western Sioux Falls
and Hartford). “By signing it, these candidates are signaling that data centers will be one of them
foremost priorities in the 2027 legislative session. Furthermore, we will make sure information
about the actions we take during session is easily accessible by the average South Dakotan,
not hidden away in the legislative record.”


Jeff Shelton, South Dakota Senate candidate from District 32 (north and central Rapid City),
said, “Many of the candidates who have signed this pledge have spent the last several weeks
knocking on doors and listening to voters in their communities. In these conversations with the
neighbors and relatives we hope to represent, it’s clear that data centers aren’t wanted in South
Dakota. If elected, we intend to show South Dakotans that we hear their message loud and
clear. Through commitments ranging from legislation action to rejection of special interest
money, we stand committed to protecting our constituents.”


Both Potter and Shelton encourage other candidates throughout the state, no matter the party,
to sign the pledge and commit to voters that they will keep their best interests at the forefront.
The key commitments of the pledge are:


● Day zero action: Candidates pledge to begin work on protections for South Dakotans
and their communities immediately upon election, before the 2027 legislative session
begins.
● Rejection of financial interests: Candidates pledge that they have rejected and will
reject campaign donations or other support from groups aligned with data centers.
Candidates will not support sales tax waivers or other tax incentives to promote data
center construction.
● Ongoing transparency during session: Candidates will provide clear communication
regarding any legislative action regarding data centers on the D-CAP website
(www.dcapsd.org).
● Defense of local control: Candidates will oppose any bills that weaken local
governments’ ability to regulate, pause or ban data center development in their own
communities.

Read the D-CAP Pledge and review candidate signees here.