Spartanburg County pauses new data centers — but with carveouts based on size and site
Spartanburg County Council has given final approval to a 12-month data center moratorium, but it includes significant exceptions. Facilities smaller than 65 megawatts and those on specific industrial sites are exempt, changes influenced by lobbying efforts. This modified moratorium could still allow projects like the Lightstone Group's planned data center to proceed.
The Spartanburg County Council has enacted a 12-month moratorium on new data centers, approving the measure on its third reading on September 21st. However, the final version includes several significant carveouts, largely influenced by lobbying efforts. The moratorium will not apply to data centers with an electrical load of less than 65 IT megawatts, excluding ancillary equipment and power for other businesses, nor does it cover cryptocurrency mining operations.
Additionally, data centers located within a named industrial park or on a former industrial site that do not self-generate power (beyond emergency backup) are also exempt. These exempt facilities must, however, submit plans addressing light, glare, noise, and landscaping, and cannot be located within one mile of another data center. They are also required to enter into a development agreement with the county.
The initial proposal for the moratorium was prompted by a planned 60-megawatt data center by the Lightstone Group on Jones Road, which was to be located on a former industrial site and use grid power. Council members Monier Abusaft, who introduced the amendments, and William Crawford and Brian Stone of Pacolet Milliken and Lockhart Power, respectively, were instrumental in pushing for these exceptions. Despite some council opposition, with members like Grant DeShields and Jessica Coker voting against certain amendments due to concerns over size exemptions or potential "taxes" on the industry, the modified moratorium ultimately passed. Councilman DeShields, though opposed to the 65-megawatt limit, ultimately voted for the moratorium to prevent an open-door policy for all data centers.