Newberry County Council unanimously confirms year-long moratorium on data centers
Newberry County Council unanimously enacted a year-long moratorium on new data center permits following strong resident opposition. The council also denied a specific ordinance that would have allowed a developer to proceed with a data center project. Concerns raised by residents included strain on water supply, increased electrical rates, and continuous industrial noise.
Newberry County Council recently voted unanimously to deny an ordinance that would have allowed a developer to purchase land for a data center. This decision came after several months of meetings and significant opposition from local residents.
During these meetings, many residents voiced concerns against the proposed data center, highlighting potential issues such as increased strain on the local water supply, a surge in electrical rates for the community, and continuous industrial noise. This outcome marked a reversal from the initial two readings of the ordinance, indicating a shift in the council's stance.
In response to public sentiment and the issues raised, the council also elected to place a 12-month moratorium on accepting new permits for data centers in Newberry County, effectively pausing future development in the sector for a year.