Laurens County Council to vote on one-year data center pause
The Laurens County Council is voting on a proposed one-year pause on data center development. This pause would allow the county to establish regulations and consider impacts related to water use, electricity, and the environment. Vice Chairman Matthew Brownlee stated the goal is to create a solid ordinance on the county's terms.
The Laurens County Council in South Carolina is set to vote on a potential one-year moratorium on data center construction. County officials state the primary objective of this pause is not to prevent data centers entirely, but rather to afford the county sufficient time to develop appropriate regulations governing their presence.
Vice Chairman Matthew Brownlee, who is sponsoring the proposed pause, emphasized that the year-long period would be utilized to gather input from residents, planners, and industry experts. The council aims to investigate crucial issues such as water usage, electricity consumption, and potential environmental impacts. Brownlee noted that Laurens County is currently not zoned, and they are also exploring the implementation of specific development rules for data centers in certain areas. He stressed the importance of creating a "rock solid ordinance" that is on the county's terms and satisfies citizens.