Spartanburg Co. council advances data center moratorium, discusses Flock cameras
The Spartanburg County Council in South Carolina has advanced a one-year data center moratorium ordinance to its second reading. The proposal, which aims to pause new data center development, was met with strong public debate from both opponents expressing fear and supporters like Lockhart Power, who claim data centers help keep electricity rates low. The ordinance still requires a third and final reading and another public hearing before it can be enacted.
Spartanburg County Council in South Carolina has taken a significant step towards enacting a one-year moratorium on data center development, approving the ordinance's second reading during a recent meeting. The council chambers experienced a standing-room-only crowd, reflecting the intense public interest and divided opinions surrounding the issue. Despite the contentious debate, the council voted unanimously to move the ordinance forward.
Residents opposing data centers voiced their anxieties, with one individual stating, "It scares me. I'm afraid. I really am losing sleep at night." Conversely, supporters, including Lockhart Power, argued that data centers contribute positively by helping to maintain low electricity rates for their customers. A representative from Lockhart Power commented on the nuance of the situation, saying, "Not all data centers are good, particularly older versions, but neither are all data centers bad. For Lockhart and our customers, they've been a God send. The moratorium would throw the baby out with the bathwater."
If the ordinance successfully passes its third and final reading, the county will cease accepting, processing, or approving new data center applications for a full year. The council has indicated plans to host another public hearing before the conclusive vote, which could potentially take place as early as August.