Spartanburg County joins other SC counties in data center moratoriums
Spartanburg County Council has approved a temporary one-year moratorium on most new data center developments, making it one of several South Carolina counties to enact such a ban. The decision stems from resident and environmental group concerns over rapid growth, electricity demand, and the need for more regulation. Projects with existing permits, like the Valara data center, are not impacted.
The Spartanburg County Council has approved a temporary, one-year moratorium on most new data center developments, adding Spartanburg to a growing list of South Carolina counties pausing such projects. This move follows similar actions in Laurens, Greenwood, Newberry, and Anderson counties, as well as Asheville, North Carolina, reflecting widespread debate over the rapid expansion of data centers.
Residents like Eric Allison expressed hope that the moratorium would facilitate more open discussion and address concerns related to growth, power consumption, and regulation. Dr. Stephen Smith of the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy highlighted uncertainties regarding future electricity demand. The moratorium will not affect data centers that secured development permits within the last year, allowing projects like the Valara data center to continue construction.
Industry representatives, including Josh Levi, president and CEO of the Data Center Coalition, and Christy Tarallo, Director of Government Affairs for the Southeast Data Center Coalition, have voiced opposition to moratoriums. They argue that data centers are crucial for modern life and that delaying construction carries significant economic costs. Instead, they advocate for collaboration between communities, local leaders, and the industry to establish reasonable regulatory frameworks that support responsible development without deterring investment.