Jasper Co. considers one-year pause on data centers to study environmental, infrastructure impact...
Jasper County, South Carolina, is considering a one-year moratorium on data center development to study potential impacts on the environment, infrastructure, water, electricity, and noise. County leaders aim to use this pause to review and establish appropriate ordinances and regulations. A vote on the proposed moratorium is expected on September 21st.
Jasper County, South Carolina, is deliberating a one-year moratorium on data center development, driven by a regional increase in companies seeking to build data centers in rural areas. Although the county has not yet received a data center proposal, leaders and residents alike emphasize the need for comprehensive due diligence to understand potential impacts.
County leaders, including a council member who stated it "may be one of the most important things we do," aim to use this time to assess the effects on water, electricity, the environment, and noise. They also intend to review and strengthen existing ordinances and regulations. Residents expressed support for the pause, acknowledging the county's growth but stressing the importance of preserving their quality of life for future generations.
The proposed moratorium would temporarily halt applications, permits, rezoning requests, and financial incentives for data centers, cryptocurrency mining, and other data processing facilities in unincorporated parts of the county. The county council is scheduled to vote on the measure on September 21st.