For or against: Council members, residents, legal group voice differences of opinion on data centers
Greenwood County Council voted on a data center ordinance and a proposed one-year moratorium. The council approved an amendment prohibiting data centers in all previously considered zoning districts and advanced a moratorium, which awaits a final vote. Residents and environmental groups largely supported these measures, advocating for a more deliberate process and stronger regulations.
Greenwood County Council convened Tuesday, resulting in split votes on data center regulations and a proposed one-year moratorium. By a 4-3 vote, the council approved an amendment to its data center ordinance that now prohibits data centers in all zoning districts where they had previously been proposed. Separately, the council also advanced a one-year moratorium on data center development and related infrastructure, which is scheduled for a final vote on July 21.
Councilmember Cathy Miller, who introduced the prohibitive amendment, clarified she is not entirely against data centers but emphasized the need for a more deliberate process, public involvement, and a specific zoning classification for such projects. Vice Chairman Dayne Pruitt and Councilmember Robbie Templeton also supported the measures, influenced by strong resident feedback and concerns about the speed of development. Conversely, Chairman Theo Lane and Councilmember Teresa Griffin voted against the measures, arguing the county should remain open to regulated data center development as a potential asset and highlighting the extensive work already invested by county staff.
Community groups, including Greenwood County Residents for Responsible Growth, expressed cautious optimism regarding the council's decisions but stressed that the work is ongoing. Members Russ and Ana Fitzgerald emphasized the need for the moratorium's final approval and for future ordinances to include stringent limits on water and power consumption, environmental monitoring, and public engagement. Environmental legal groups, such as the South Carolina Environmental Law Project and the Southern Environmental Law Center, also urged for a slow, transparent review process and robust environmental protections.
County officials confirmed that the amended ordinance technically sets data center standards but effectively leaves no zoning district where they are currently permitted, requiring any future proposal to necessitate a new zoning classification or ordinance amendment. The pending ordinance doctrine is expected to offer some protection while the moratorium awaits final approval, creating a pause for officials to determine suitable conditions for data centers in Greenwood County.