Data center activity in South Carolina
South Carolina presents one of the more hostile regulatory environments in the Southeast, with at least 31 moratoriums enacted and none rejected, at least 12 zoning denials against only 6 approvals, and at least 14 projects blocked versus just 1 approved despite opposition. At least 17 lawsuits have been filed, adding a significant legal dimension to the challenges. Despite these headwinds, 44 active companies represent strong market interest, likely driven by the state's positioning along the Southeast fiber corridor and competitive energy costs. Unlike neighboring North Carolina, where zoning approvals outpace denials and opposition is less effective at blocking projects, South Carolina has developed a regulatory environment where all major indicators, including moratoriums, zoning, opposition, and legal activity, trend against developers. With 304 clips and 180 outcomes, the data provides a reliable picture of a state where regulatory conditions have become a genuine constraint on growth.
South Carolina presents one of the more hostile regulatory environments in the Southeast, with at least 31 moratoriums enacted and none rejected, at least 12 zoning denials against only 6 approvals, and at least 14 projects blocked versus just 1 approved despite opposition. At least 17 lawsuits have been filed, adding a significant legal dimension to the challenges. Despite these headwinds, 44 active companies represent strong market interest, likely driven by the state's positioning along the Southeast fiber corridor and competitive energy costs. Unlike neighboring North Carolina, where zoning approvals outpace denials and opposition is less effective at blocking projects, South Carolina has developed a regulatory environment where all major indicators, including moratoriums, zoning, opposition, and legal activity, trend against developers. With 304 clips and 180 outcomes, the data provides a reliable picture of a state where regulatory conditions have become a genuine constraint on growth.
How is this scored?The South Carolina Public Service Commission is set to consider a formal challenge to plans submitted by NorthMark. This indicates active opposition to a development project that is now undergoing regulatory review by a state government entity.
A data center development in Spartanburg is causing distress among residents of Pine Street. Neighbors are reportedly on edge due to the ongoing construction of the data hub.
Data center construction in Spartanburg, SC, is generating significant noise at night, causing distress among nearby residents. The nearly $3 billion project is ongoing, and local residents are already experiencing negative impacts from the development.
Despite growing community concerns in Spartanburg County, two local companies, Airsys and Pantheon Electric, are heavily investing in the booming data center industry. Airsys, a thermal management manufacturer, opened its new global HQ in Woodruff, focusing on sustainable cooling systems to reduce energy and water consumption. Pantheon Electric, through its High Performance Conductors subsidiary in Inman, is supplying specialty conductors increasingly needed by data centers.
Greenwood County Council has approved a one-year moratorium on data center development, following weeks of intense public pressure. The temporary pause, passed in a 4-3 vote, allows officials to study regulations while residents continue to advocate for stronger protections. This ordinance takes effect immediately for a year.
Laurens County, South Carolina, has enacted a 12-month moratorium on new data center permits and applications. The county council approved the measure to proactively develop land-use regulations and address concerns about electrical infrastructure and water requirements. Staff will use this period to draft comprehensive data center regulations.
Residents in Spartanburg County, South Carolina, are experiencing significant disruptions from the ongoing construction of a large data center by Northmark Strategies and Valara Holdings. Neighbors report issues such as excessive dust and noise, affecting their quality of life and health, even before the 450-megawatt facility becomes operational.
Orangeburg County leaders have taken a first step toward enacting a one-year moratorium on data center developments. This move is driven by concerns over energy consumption and a lack of clear regulations, following an unnamed company's interest in building a data center. The county council will vote on a second reading of the proposal on August 3.
Orangeburg County is considering a temporary moratorium on data center development and construction. The County Council has given unanimous first reading approval to the measure, which aims to address environmental and health concerns associated with such facilities.
The Southern Environmental Law Center has filed a lawsuit against Spartanburg County and Valara Holdings, a NorthMark subsidiary, regarding a $2.8 billion data center project. The suit alleges the county improperly classified the 457-megawatt data center as minor land developments, thereby bypassing public input and the planning commission. This classification is being challenged due to concerns about the project's environmental impact and the denial of public debate.
The McCormick County Council Chairman has issued a statement concerning data centers. The county council is planning to implement a temporary moratorium on data center development within the county.
McCormick County Council Chairman Bernie Hamby has instructed county staff to draft a proposed temporary moratorium on data centers following public concerns. The proposal will go through a public process, including review by the Planning Commission and multiple County Council readings. There are currently no active data center applications or commitments in the county.
Orangeburg County in South Carolina is considering implementing a pause or moratorium on data center development. This move would make it the latest county in the state to consider such restrictions.
South Carolina has invested $80 million to attract data centers for AI infrastructure, but this investment is drawing scrutiny over its impact on power grids, water supply, and local job creation. Concerns have led to Congresswoman Nancy Mace proposing a statewide moratorium and some counties pausing local projects due to neighborhood pushback.
Orangeburg County Council will hold a special meeting to consider implementing a temporary moratorium on data center development. The discussion aims to deliberate a pause on construction and growth of these facilities in the county.
Greenwood County Council has approved the final reading of a one-year moratorium on new data center development in the county. This decision, passed by a 4-3 vote, means no new data center projects will be approved for the next 12 months. While the council is not currently negotiating deals, they have been approached by three data center companies.
The Chester County Council has approved a six-month moratorium on data center applications. This decision was influenced by significant public opposition from residents concerned about the environmental impacts of data centers. The county plans to use this period to study the development and hear from experts.
Greenwood County in South Carolina has approved a year-long moratorium on new data center developments. This decision was officially made by the county government.
Greenwood County Council has approved a one-year moratorium on data center development. This decision was finalized after the third and final reading of the ordinance.
South Carolina has invested $80 million to attract and support data centers, a 250% increase in funding. This investment is drawing scrutiny due to concerns over high power consumption versus the jobs created, as experts highlight the need to balance energy use with economic investment.