County imposes year-long moratorium on data center projects
The Laurens County Council in South Carolina has unanimously approved the first reading of an ordinance to enact a year-long moratorium on data center projects. This pause will allow county staff to develop regulations and standards for future data center developments. The move is proactive, influenced by citizen backlash and infrastructure concerns seen in neighboring counties.
The Laurens County Council in South Carolina unanimously approved the first reading of an ordinance to implement a year-long moratorium on data center projects within the county. This decision aims to provide county staff and council members with time to develop comprehensive regulations and standards for any future data center developments.
Council Vice-Chair Matthew Brownlee stated the ordinance is a proactive measure, citing the negative public reactions experienced by neighboring Newberry and Greenwood counties over data center announcements. Newberry County notably rejected a land purchase for "Project Altair" and adopted its own year-long moratorium, while Greenwood County Council approved a similar 12-month pause.
During Monday night's meeting, northern Laurens County residents, including Gray Court resident John Parnell, voiced support for the moratorium, expressing concerns about the potential impact of large data centers on local infrastructure, including power, water, and sewer systems. Laurens County Development Corporation President and CEO Jonathan Coleman confirmed no data center projects are currently under consideration for Laurens County.
Councilman Brown Patterson, while in favor of the moratorium, called it a "feel good" ordinance given the lack of immediate projects and current electrical infrastructure limitations. He urged staff to accelerate the development of governing regulations to ensure more effective control over potential future data center applications.