SC lawmakers send ‘Data Center Development Act’ to full Senate floor

COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina state lawmakers have advanced the "Data Center Development Act" through the state Senate's Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, sending it to the full Senate floor for a vote. Committee Chairman Sen. Wes Climer stated that the legislature "simply must address" the issue of data centers due to significant potential consequences. The proposed bill would create an oversight office within the state Department of Environmental Services (DES), establish a permitting process for data centers, and mandate annual reporting on water and energy consumption. It also includes a three-tiered classification system for facilities based on their megawatt usage. Sen. Michael Johnson (R-York County) highlighted that the bill would require DES to assist counties in siting data centers and impose strict regulations on energy and water use. Lawmakers cited ongoing public concerns about the environmental impact, strain on the energy grid, and potential increases in energy costs for residents. Sen. Russell Ott (D-Calhoun County) emphasized the goal of ensuring that data centers operate responsibly and that generation costs are not passed on to residential or other business customers. Despite the legislative session nearing its end, leaders affirmed that data centers would not remain unregulated, even if this specific bill does not pass, as other plans are being developed. The committee hopes to add further amendments when the bill reaches the Senate floor.