Data center moratorium for 12 months passes in this SC county
Fairfield County, SC, has approved a 12-month moratorium on new data center construction and the sale of county land for such facilities. This action follows resident concerns about the potential strain on public resources like the electric grid and water supply. During the pause, the county plans to develop a comprehensive regulatory and zoning framework for data centers.
Fairfield County, South Carolina, has approved a 12-month moratorium on new data center construction and the sale of county-owned land for such facilities. The decision, made by the Fairfield County Council at its August 10 meeting, follows growing resident concerns about the potential strain data centers could place on public resources like the electric grid, water supply, and local infrastructure.
The ordinance, which passed its second of three readings, prohibits new data center construction during the pause. A public hearing is scheduled for August 31, with the final reading set for September 14. During this period, the Fairfield County Administration and Council will conduct research, engage with the community, hold expert work sessions, and visit existing data center facilities to develop a comprehensive regulatory and zoning framework.
This move mirrors a similar moratorium enacted by neighboring Newberry County in June, which came after residents opposed a proposed data center in Prosperity. Several other South Carolina counties are also considering or have implemented temporary bans on data center development, highlighting a statewide debate over the rapid expansion of these facilities and their impact on rural communities and local resources.