Chester County leaders pass second reading of data center moratorium
Chester County Council in South Carolina passed the second reading of a proposed six-month moratorium on data centers. The county, having received developer inquiries but lacking formal plans, aims to study potential environmental and economic impacts. The moratorium requires a third reading for final approval.
Chester County Council in South Carolina recently advanced a proposal for a six-month moratorium on data centers by passing its second reading during a Monday night meeting. This action comes as county leaders, despite having no formal data center development plans, have received numerous inquiries from developers. They believe the interest is partly due to the relatively inexpensive land available in Chester County.
The council's intention is to use this pause to gather more information regarding the potential impacts of data centers on neighboring communities, particularly noting that nearby York County just enacted a nine-month moratorium. This prior action in a contiguous county has heightened concerns among residents in Chester County.
The proposed moratorium still requires a third and final reading for full approval. If enacted, county officials plan to host public workshops to educate residents on both the environmental and economic implications associated with data center development.