Orangeburg County Councilwoman Discusses Proposed Data Center Moratorium

Orangeburg County Councilwoman Latisha Walker recently addressed constituents at a town hall meeting to discuss a proposed one-year data center moratorium. Councilwoman Walker explained that she became aware of interest in potentially locating a data center in District 7, near the Husqvarna area, and that meetings involving the DPU were taking place without her receiving detailed information about the project.

Believing that a development as substantial as a data center requires careful research and thoughtful consideration, Walker introduced the moratorium to allow Orangeburg County an opportunity to study this type of development. She clarified that a moratorium is simply a "pause" in development, not an approval or permanent prohibition of data centers. During this year-long period, the county intends to gather information, evaluate potential impacts, and establish necessary policies and protections for its citizens before moving forward with any data center projects.

Walker noted that Orangeburg County is not alone in considering such a measure, mentioning that several other South Carolina counties, including Chester, Greenwood, Newberry, York, Chesterfield, Colleton, Spartanburg, and Anderson, have either enacted or are considering similar moratoriums of varying lengths. She emphasized that these actions reflect a broader effort by local governments to understand data center development and implement appropriate community policies. The Orangeburg County Council has unanimously approved the moratorium on its first two readings, with one final reading remaining.