Data centers would have to report water usage under SC budget deal
South Carolina's proposed budget includes a policy requiring data centers consuming over 3 million gallons of water monthly to report their usage to the state. This measure, proposed by Sen. Allen Blackmon, aims to provide factual data on water consumption to inform future policies. The budget deal still requires approval from the House, Senate, and Governor.
South Carolina's proposed state budget includes a new policy that would require data centers consuming more than 3 million gallons of water monthly to report their usage and sources to the state by January 31. This measure, which has advanced further than any other data center policy in the legislature this year, aims to provide lawmakers with factual data on water usage to inform future regulatory decisions. Any company failing to report or providing inaccurate information could face fines from the state Department of Environmental Services.
The policy was proposed by state Sen. Allen Blackmon, R-Lancaster, who hopes the data will enable the General Assembly to develop new regulations if necessary, particularly in response to constituent concerns about potential overconsumption. While the budget item has made progress, it still requires approval from both the House and Senate, scheduled to meet on August 11, and the Governor's signature. Other data center policies, including two Senate plans to regulate data center location and a House-proposed moratorium, failed to pass this year.