Colleton County Council approves first reading for data center moratorium
The Colleton County Council has approved the first reading of an ordinance to enact a moratorium on data center developments, including special exceptions and conditional use approvals. This action was taken amidst strong public opposition from citizens concerning a proposed 800-acre data center near Walterboro. The moratorium aims to temporarily or permanently halt data center construction in the county.
The Colleton County Council has voted to approve the first reading of a proposed ordinance that would implement a moratorium on data center developments within the county. This measure specifically targets special exceptions and conditional use approvals required for data centers, potentially leading to a temporary or permanent cessation of new data center construction.
The council's decision follows significant public outcry and opposition from hundreds of citizens regarding a planned 800-plus acre data center project near Walterboro. Public meetings held to discuss the proposals saw widespread attendance and vocal disapproval from residents. Citizens expressed concerns about potential impacts and a desire for local control over such developments.
While this initial approval is a step towards enacting the moratorium, it means the ordinance is currently in the proposal phase. The move by Colleton County aligns with a broader trend, as the transcript notes that at least 12 states and 100 local governments have already adopted similar ordinances to restrict data center growth.