County Council advances data center moratorium, setting up final vote in September
Laurens County Council has advanced a proposed one-year moratorium on data center permits to a third and final reading, with a public hearing scheduled for September 14. The measure aims to address concerns about quality of life impacts, water usage, noise, and power grid strain. The council also plans to amend its Land-Use Plan to guide future data center development away from residential areas.
Laurens County Council has moved forward with a proposed one-year moratorium on accepting permits for data centers, scheduling a third and final reading and a public hearing for September 14. The measure, sponsored by Council Vice-Chairman Matthew Brownlee, aims to address concerns raised by residents regarding the potential impacts of data centers on quality of life, including water usage, power grid strain, and noise.
During the August 10 council meeting, residents like John Parnell of Hickory Tavern praised the proactive stance, while Nick Babb cited negative experiences in other counties, such as Spartanburg County and Georgia. Local attorney Michanna Tate highlighted a potential "loophole" in the proposed moratorium that could exempt data centers developed by government agencies, a provision County Attorney Wes Meetze explained as aligning with the Supremacy Clause to prevent local governments from restricting federal, state, or city projects. The council also indicated plans to amend its Land-Use Plan to guide data center development away from residential areas. The second reading of the moratorium passed by a 5-0 vote.