South Carolina Data Centers Face Local Resistance

The story now includes a clearer, more specific map of where the biggest projects are and adds evidence that South Carolina's data center buildout is being paired with related industrial expansion. The regulatory picture is still fragmented, but the current version emphasizes local rulemaking and active litigation more than the prior one.

The story has broadened from a mostly legislative debate into a fuller statewide development picture: South Carolina is now actively attracting major data center investment even as counties impose moratoriums and legal challenges multiply. The new version also adds concrete project examples, state incentives, and related industrial activity tied to the sector.

• South Carolina increased Palmetto Sites funding to $80 million.
• At least nine counties have proposed or enacted temporary moratoriums.
• Large campuses from Meta, Google, NorthMark Strategies, and QTS are now identified.
• South Carolina lacks a complete state-maintained inventory of data center facilities.
• EPC Power opened a Fountain Inn manufacturing facility for inverter production.

The story has sharpened from a broad debate over pausing data centers into a more concrete legislative fight over how South Carolina will regulate approvals, disclosures, and incentives. The latest version also emphasizes that local opposition and stalled bills are already slowing specific projects and shaping the policy response.

South Carolina is weighing whether to pause new data center development while lawmakers review the industry's effects on electricity demand, water use, land availability, and local communities. The debate has broadened into a larger fight over incentives, transparency, and how much control counties and residents should have over large projects. Opposition is strongest where proposed facilities are seen as heavy resource users with limited local job benefits.