Pickens County weighs data center moratorium
Pickens County Council is scheduled to hold a first reading on a proposed six-month moratorium on new data center development. The pause would give county officials time to study zoning, infrastructure, electricity and water demands before establishing regulations.
Pickens County Council is scheduled to consider Ordinance No. 694, which would impose a six-month moratorium on new data centers. The proposed pause follows an inquiry from an unidentified developer and would allow county officials to evaluate land-use, zoning, utility and infrastructure requirements for future facilities.
Council members raised concerns about data centers' potential demands on water and power, as well as their land consumption and limited permanent employment compared with manufacturing. Chairman Alex Saitta voiced opposition to data centers and said a project would likely need council support for incentives, while the county's UDSO Ad Hoc Committee continues reviewing the issue. The proposal is set for a first reading at the council's Nov. 2 meeting.