Facts Matter
Do you believe everything you read on social media?
It is always best to review the facts and sources before making statements on social media. Unfortunately, my former 2024 Republican Primary challenger has chosen to make a false statement about my campaign, stating that “Kathol wanted the Carbon Pipeline…and will sell out for Data Centers, too.”
The facts tell a very different story.
FACT: I opposed the carbon transmission pipeline.
Anthony Kathol opposed the construction of carbon transmission pipelines and voted NO on Referred Law 21.
I did more than simply vote no on Referred Law 21. I also collected signatures to get Senate Bill 201—later known to voters as Referred Law 21—on the ballot so that South Dakotans could decide whether they wanted the legislation to become law and allow for the construction of a carbon transmission pipeline within the state of South Dakota.
Below is evidence that I personally circulated the petition to place RL 21 on the ballot.
I also displayed a NO on Referred Law 21 campaign sign at my campaign headquarters in Martin when I ran for District 27 State Senate in 2024.
Drobny Construction can attest that my campaign displayed the sign on the south side of my campaign headquarters because the owner assisted me in installing the sign. See image below:
I did not merely display a sign opposing RL 21. I also educated voters through my blog about why I believed it was important to vote NO on Referred Law 21.
The South Dakota Secretary of State's 2024 ballot materials confirm that Referred Law 21 was the referendum concerning legislation establishing new requirements for linear transmission facilities, including carbon dioxide pipelines. Voters overwhelmingly rejected the measure.
Here are the blog posts I published during the 2024 campaign:
October 16, 2024:
October 21, 2024:
My opposition to carbon transmission pipelines did not end with the 2024 election.
After my State Senate campaign, I continued to be active in opposing the construction of carbon transmission pipelines in South Dakota. I testified in support of HB 1052, which would have prohibited the exercise of eminent domain for a pipeline carrying carbon oxide. I also continued writing about why I believed it was necessary to stop the construction of carbon transmission pipelines.
You can read my testimony on HB 1052 (below):
March 6, 2025
I also wrote about the concerns surrounding carbon transmission pipelines after watching the documentary Unearthing the CO2 Pipeline (below):
April 22, 2025:
FACT: I oppose hyperscale data centers.
I am opposed to the development of hyperscale data centers.
I will not support the construction of data centers because of the potential increases in electrical costs and water demand. Moreover, I do not believe government should be in the business of picking winners and losers when it comes to economic development activities such as the construction of data centers.
I oppose using taxpayer money to subsidize economic development in South Dakota. You can read more here: https://www.anthonykathol.com/post/time-to-rein-in-the-government-giveaways
I support the legislation by Representative Jon Hansen and Senator Chris Karr, the prime sponsors of Senate Bill 135, known as the “Data Center Bill of Rights for Citizens.” The legislation was designed to protect residents from increased utility costs and utility shortages associated with data centers and to preserve local authority to regulate data-center construction. The bill was signed by the Governor on March 24, 2026.
You can read the legislation here: South Dakota Senate Bill 135
I have also written about data centers and why I oppose their development.
March 14, 2026
April 23, 2026
Finally, on August 13, 2026, I contacted one of our Bennett County Commissioners about establishing a county ordinance regarding data-center construction. I provided him with model county ordinances used by Spink County and Yankton County for consideration. See text message below:
So, where are the facts?
The record is clear.
In 2024, I opposed Referred Law 21, voted NO on the measure, circulated petitions to place the referendum on the ballot, displayed a NO on RL 21 sign at my campaign headquarters, and published information explaining to voters why I believed they should vote NO.
After the election, I continued my efforts by testifying in support of legislation addressing carbon transmission pipelines.
Today, I oppose the development of hyperscale data centers and have publicly stated that I will not support their construction. I have written about the issue, supported legislation addressing the concerns associated with data centers, and have even worked with a local county commissioner regarding potential local regulation.
Those are the facts.
My record speaks for itself.
I am asking my former Republican primary opponent, as a brother in Christ, to retract the false statements made about me and my campaign.
Scripture provides guidance for addressing disputes between brothers:
"If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector" Matthew 18: 15-17).
I have presented the evidence. I will let the facts speak for themselves.
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