Kershaw County Council passes temporary moratorium on data centers
Kershaw County Council has unanimously passed the third and final reading of an ordinance establishing a temporary one-year moratorium on data centers and cryptocurrency mining operations. This action provides county officials time to examine the industry and develop new regulations for the area. Public input from concerned residents helped initiate the ordinance.
Kershaw County Council, in Camden, South Carolina, has unanimously approved a temporary one-year moratorium on data centers, cryptocurrency mining operations, and data processing facilities. The decision came after a third and final reading of the ordinance, providing county officials a window to study the industry and formulate new local regulations.
Councilmembers Danny Catoe and Jimmy Jones voiced strong support for the measure, acknowledging extensive public discussion and input from citizens. The ordinance was initiated several weeks prior due to concerns from residents. During a public hearing, a single resident urged the council to implement the moratorium, citing worries about the rapid growth of artificial intelligence and its potential 'unintended consequences.' The first and second readings of the ordinance were passed on August 25 and September 8, respectively.