South Carolina Counties Consider Data Center Bans Amid Environmental Concerns
Several South Carolina counties, including Orangeburg and Fairfield, are actively considering year-long moratoriums on data center development. These discussions are driven by residents' and local leaders' concerns over the environmental impact, high water and electricity consumption, and a perceived lack of transparency from developers. This trend follows other counties in the state that have already implemented similar restrictions.
Orangeburg and Fairfield counties in South Carolina are currently holding town halls to discuss the implementation of year-long moratoriums on data center construction. This initiative aligns with a broader trend across the state, where a growing number of counties, such as Chester, Colleton, and Spartanburg, have either enacted or are considering similar restrictions on data center development.
During these town hall meetings, residents have voiced significant apprehension regarding the potential environmental, health, and economic consequences of hyperscale data centers. Key concerns include the immense water demands, with some facilities estimated to use up to 5 million gallons daily, and the substantial electricity consumption, projected to reach up to 12 percent of the total U.S. supply by 2028.
Local governmental leaders have also expressed frustration over the lack of transparency from data center developers. They note that many development agreements are often shrouded in secrecy, leaving communities uninformed until projects are well underway, which further exacerbates public opposition.