State standards: Reps. McCravy and Gibson propose statewide rules for data center development
South Carolina Reps. John McCravy and Daniel Gibson are preparing legislation that would establish statewide standards for new data centers, including limits on water use, noise, residential proximity and utility cost impacts. The proposal has not yet been introduced or approved, while Greenwood County has separately approved zoning restrictions and a one-year moratorium on data center development.
South Carolina Reps. John McCravy and Daniel Gibson are preparing the South Carolina Data Center Community Protection Act for the 2027 legislative session. The proposed law would require new data centers and major expansions to receive approval from the state Department of Environmental Services, the Public Service Commission and applicable local governments. It would establish public hearing and notice requirements, minimum setbacks, noise limits, closed-loop cooling systems and financial guarantees for site cleanup and decommissioning.
The legislation would also require operators to construct, own or finance sufficient electricity generation and cover grid connection and backup-service costs, shielding existing utility customers from related rate increases. McCravy said the measure is intended to give local governments stronger protections without preventing development. In Greenwood County, officials have approved an amendment excluding data centers from all zoning districts and a separate one-year moratorium while the county examines potential regulations. The statewide bill remains a draft and has not been approved by the General Assembly.