Colleton County adding language to allow data center construction

Colleton County Council in South Carolina unanimously approved an ordinance establishing a new overlay zone to permit data center construction in rural areas. The decision followed a contentious public comment period where numerous residents voiced strong opposition, citing concerns over potential environmental impacts, water depletion, increased electricity bills, and noise pollution.

Opponents also criticized the process, alleging a lack of transparency and stating that a previously enacted six-month moratorium on data center decisions was cut short, lasting only a month. The Southern Environmental Law Center had previously filed a lawsuit against the county regarding the amendment process, and residents highlighted the risk to South Carolina's largest intact freshwater wetlands ecosystem. Supporters, however, argued that data centers could bring better-paying jobs and strengthen the tax base. It was clarified that the vote only approved the ordinance amendment, not a specific data center project.