South Carolina's regulatory environment ranks among the most challenging in the Southeast, with at least 60 moratoriums enacted and only 1 rejected, and zoning outcomes that skew negative with at least 10 approvals and 19 denials. Opposition has been highly effective, with at least 20 projects blocked compared to 4 approved despite resistance. Compared to neighboring North Carolina, which has more moratorium activity but more favorable zoning and opposition outcomes, South Carolina presents a notably harder path for data center developers. Despite these challenges, 72 companies are active in the state, reflecting market interest driven by available land, lower costs, and proximity to major Southeast markets, but the regulatory friction significantly complicates project execution.
Regulatory Environment Score
South Carolina's regulatory environment ranks among the most challenging in the Southeast, with at least 60 moratoriums enacted and only 1 rejected, and zoning outcomes that skew negative with at least 10 approvals and 19 denials. Opposition has been highly effective, with at least 20 projects blocked compared to 4 approved despite resistance. Compared to neighboring North Carolina, which has more moratorium activity but more favorable zoning and opposition outcomes, South Carolina presents a notably harder path for data center developers. Despite these challenges, 72 companies are active in the state, reflecting market interest driven by available land, lower costs, and proximity to major Southeast markets, but the regulatory friction significantly complicates project execution.
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