South Carolina lawmakers prepare data center regulations
South Carolina lawmakers are preparing legislation to regulate data centers amid concerns about power-grid strain, water consumption and limited public transparency. Proposed measures could require closed-loop cooling, disclosure of projected utility demands, local-government involvement and limits on facility locations, while a statewide moratorium appears unlikely.
South Carolina lawmakers are developing data center regulations ahead of the upcoming legislative session in Columbia. Beaufort Sen. Tom Davis is drafting a bill that would require water-recycling cooling systems, encourage facilities to generate their own power and limit where data centers can be built. Calhoun Sen. Russell Ott is advocating for companies to disclose projected power and water use before local governments approve projects.
The lawmakers said communities should have a greater role in data center decisions as development brings billions of dollars in investment while increasing concerns about energy demand, water consumption and transparency. Although some counties have adopted moratoriums on new facilities, they said a statewide pause is unlikely and that lawmakers will instead focus on regulatory requirements and ensuring local benefits.