Data center regulation bill moves to South Carolina Senate floor

COLUMBIA, S.C. – A significant legislative effort aimed at establishing guidelines for future data center development in South Carolina is currently before the full Senate for consideration. State Senator Wes Climer, R-Rock Hill and chairman of the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, emphasized the novel nature of this public policy issue, asserting that it requires legislative attention. While time is running out in the current session for the bill, S. 867, to pass, lawmakers stress the importance of initiating a full debate. State Senator Russell Ott, D-Calhoun, assured that even if the bill doesn't pass this year, plans are continually being developed to prevent unregulated data center growth and address their substantial energy and water demands. The proposed legislation seeks to create a framework for the permitting, construction, and oversight of data centers, or "AI factories," recognizing South Carolina's ambition to be a competitive location for such development while protecting existing ratepayers from increased utility costs. S. 867 outlines specific requirements for data centers, acknowledging their need for extraordinary electricity amounts and advocating for adapted utility rate structures. Supporters believe that getting this regulation right could lead to a bright future for data center development in the state, offering significant benefits to various South Carolina locations.