Gov. McMaster declines calling for SC-wide data center moratorium as more counties pass their own
Governor Henry McMaster has declined to call for a statewide data center moratorium in South Carolina, despite growing residential pushback. Several counties have already enacted their own moratoriums or zoning ordinances to pause development. McMaster acknowledged concerns regarding power supply, electricity prices, and water usage, which are driving local actions.
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster announced on September 23, 2026, he would not be calling for a statewide moratorium on data center development, despite increasing residential opposition. McMaster acknowledged the growing concerns regarding power supply, electricity costs, and the overall impact of data centers, which have led several counties to implement their own temporary construction pauses or zoning regulations.
According to the South Carolina Association of Counties, at least 13 counties, including Colleton, Spartanburg, and York, have enacted data center moratoriums, some lasting six months to a year. Furthermore, Edgefield and Horry counties have passed specific zoning ordinances for data centers, while McCormick and Sumter counties are currently considering similar regulations.
This year, state legislators debated broader rules for data centers, though no comprehensive bill passed. However, the General Assembly did approve a budget provision requiring large data centers to report their water usage by next year, a step seen by advocates as a positive start. While McMaster recognized the necessity and benefits of data centers, he emphasized the importance of addressing their negative impacts and determining suitable locations for their development.