Data center activity in South Carolina
South Carolina has experienced a sharp decline in its regulatory environment, driven by unfavorable zoning outcomes and intense opposition. At least 8 moratoriums have been enacted, and zoning decisions show at least 3 approvals against 6 denials, while at least 7 projects have been blocked compared to only 1 approved despite opposition. At least 3 lawsuits add legal risk to an already challenging landscape. Unlike neighboring North Carolina, where zoning ratios are far more favorable and opposition outcomes are better balanced, South Carolina presents a market where projects face significant resistance at multiple regulatory stages. Despite these headwinds, at least 23 companies are active, suggesting continued market interest driven by the state's strategic position and power availability.
South Carolina has experienced a sharp decline in its regulatory environment, driven by unfavorable zoning outcomes and intense opposition. At least 8 moratoriums have been enacted, and zoning decisions show at least 3 approvals against 6 denials, while at least 7 projects have been blocked compared to only 1 approved despite opposition. At least 3 lawsuits add legal risk to an already challenging landscape. Unlike neighboring North Carolina, where zoning ratios are far more favorable and opposition outcomes are better balanced, South Carolina presents a market where projects face significant resistance at multiple regulatory stages. Despite these headwinds, at least 23 companies are active, suggesting continued market interest driven by the state's strategic position and power availability.
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A county is considering proposed regulations for data centers, which have drawn concerns from the community. This comes as the county confirms interest from data center developers in the area.
Newberry County Council has denied a land purchase agreement for a proposed data center following public opposition. The county also initiated the process of enacting a 12-month moratorium on data center permits. Future discussions will focus on establishing specific regulations and rules for data centers in the county.
An editorial from the Post and Courier argues that South Carolina's current budget bill is the only opportunity this year to implement protections against AI data center overdevelopment. The piece emphasizes the need to balance public interest with the interests of data centers.
Newberry County has denied a proposed data center project. The county is also considering implementing a 12-month moratorium on data center developments.
Newberry County Council rejected a purchase agreement for Project Altair, a proposed data center, and approved the first reading of a twelve-month moratorium on data center permits. This action followed significant public opposition from residents concerned about the project's environmental impact. The county plans to use the moratorium period to develop new data center regulations.
Newberry County, South Carolina, enacted a one-year moratorium on data center permits due to public concerns over noise, electricity, and water usage. This action follows similar patterns in other nearby counties, including a shorter pause enacted by Augusta commissioners. The moratorium was a response to community opposition.
Greenwood County Council advanced a zoning text amendment to classify data centers as a conditional use, despite significant public opposition and calls for a two-year moratorium from residents and State Rep. John McCravy. The amendment, passed on second reading, aims to establish specific protections and requirements for data center development, but critics argue it doesn't go far enough to address concerns about water, power, and noise.
Greenwood County Council is considering Ordinance 2026-19, a zoning text amendment that would allow data centers as a conditional use in three industrial and rural development districts. The amendment, which passed second reading, seeks to define data centers and establish specific regulations for their classification, location, and design, including standards for noise, utilities, and setbacks. Residents and State Rep. John McCravy have urged the council to enact a two-year moratorium to further study the impacts before final approval.
Newberry County Council in South Carolina has enacted a moratorium on data centers after residents raised concerns. The council also unanimously denied an ordinance that would have allowed a developer to purchase land for a potential data center project.
A public hearing regarding a data center project in Spartanburg, South Carolina, has been relocated to a larger venue. This change was made in anticipation of a significant crowd attending the hearing.
Newberry County Council in South Carolina is scheduled to vote on the final reading of an ordinance for a proposed artificial intelligence data center near Mid-Carolina Commerce Park. Residents have raised concerns about the data center's potential impact on local water and electricity resources, prompting a petition and statements from a council member against the project. The council will also discuss a potential moratorium on future data center applications.
Newberry County Council is set to vote on a final ordinance that could enable an AI data center while also considering a moratorium on new data center applications. Residents are concerned about the impact on local water and electricity resources, prompting the council chairman to express opposition until more information is available.
Greenwood County Council is considering a new zoning ordinance to regulate data centers, requiring conditional use permits and setting standards for noise, lighting, and buffers. Residents expressed frustration during public comment, questioning the council's motives and suggesting a rushed process. This comes as the Statehouse is also pushing for a two-year moratorium on data centers statewide.
The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services will hold a public hearing in Spartanburg on June 25 regarding the NorthMark data center's proposal for 11 natural gas turbines. These turbines are projected to generate over 400 megawatts of power and emit an estimated 990 tons of air pollutants annually. The hearing was requested by a state senator due to environmental concerns, while a minor land development permit for the project remains stalled with Spartanburg County.
County leaders in South Carolina have recommended a nine-month moratorium on data center development. This recommendation signifies a potential pause in data center construction within an unspecified county in the state.
Residents in St. George, Dorchester County, South Carolina, are demanding transparency regarding Google's two new data centers. A large community meeting at St. George Middle School highlighted the strong local interest and desire for information about these developments.
Leaders in York County, South Carolina, have recommended implementing a nine-month moratorium on data center development. This action suggests the local government is considering a temporary halt to new data center projects.
Google is scheduled to host a data center meet and greet in St. George, South Carolina. This event is intended for community engagement regarding the company's data center activities or future plans in the area.
Edgefield County, South Carolina, is considering a new ordinance to regulate large-scale data centers and crypto mining operations in industrial-zoned areas. Environmental groups like Horse Creek Nature Preserve are raising concerns about potential impacts on wildlife, infrastructure, and water consumption, advocating for more public input and research. The proposed rules include a 1,000-foot setback from homes.
The Greenwood City/County Joint Planning Commission denied a text amendment to allow data centers as a conditional use in certain zoning districts. The commission also recommended a 24-month moratorium on data centers to investigate proper parameters, driven by public concerns over utility costs, water usage, noise, and light pollution.