South Carolina Lawmakers Prepare for Data Center Debate in 2027
South Carolina lawmakers are preparing for a 2027 debate on data center development, focusing on electricity demand, water use, environmental impacts and community input. Sen. Tom Davis is drafting legislation that could require closed-loop cooling, encourage on-site power generation and impose location restrictions, while other lawmakers are considering greater disclosure of projected energy and water consumption.
South Carolina lawmakers are preparing legislation for the 2027 session to address the effects of expanding data center development. Sen. Tom Davis, R-Beaufort, is considering requirements for closed-loop cooling systems, company-generated electricity and limits on where facilities may be built. Sen. Russell Ott, D-Calhoun, said lawmakers may also require developers to disclose projected energy and water use before receiving approval.
Supporters say data centers could bring billions of dollars in investment and strengthen South Carolina’s technology sector, while critics want greater transparency and protections for local infrastructure and environmental resources. Some counties have adopted moratoriums on new data centers, but lawmakers say a statewide pause is unlikely; the debate is expected to focus instead on energy demand, water conservation, public disclosure and local decision-making.