SC environmental groups pushing Myrtle Beach-area data center moratoriums
Environmental groups, including the Coastal Conservation League and the South Carolina Environmental Law Project, are advocating for data center moratoriums in the Myrtle Beach area due to a lack of statewide regulations. This push follows similar actions in other South Carolina counties like Colleton, Greenwood, and Orangeburg, where moratoriums were adopted amidst public outcry and legal challenges over proposed data center projects. Local governments are now considering draft ordinances to pause data center development and establish protective guidelines.
Environmental groups are urging local governments in the Myrtle Beach area to enact moratoriums on data center development, citing the absence of a comprehensive statewide regulatory framework. Sarah Rich, a project manager with the Coastal Conservation League, presented a draft "emergency ordinance" to the Conway City Council on August 17. The proposed ordinance, supported by the South Carolina Environmental Law Project, seeks to halt project reviews, rezonings, and economic incentives for an indefinite period, allowing time to develop protections for ecosystems and craft informed ordinances.
This local push follows recent moratorium adoptions in other South Carolina counties. In early May, Colleton County leaders enacted a six-month freeze on data center development amidst public backlash and lawsuits over a proposed facility in Walterboro. Subsequently, Greenwood and Orangeburg counties also approved moratoriums. While proponents like John Truluck of Dorchester County highlight the economic benefits of data centers, particularly in disadvantaged areas, Horry County Council has already begun exploring regulations, including separating data centers from residential districts and limiting building sizes. However, these regulations have not yet been approved. The Myrtle Beach Regional Economic Development Corp., represented by President Sandy Davis, expressed openness to "smart growth" of data centers, citing the positive reception of the existing DC Blox facility in Myrtle Beach.