Creates a statewide data center development framework. Establishes a Data Center Development Office in the Department of Environmental Services, creates an industry advisory committee, requires siting permits, operational efficiency standards, water efficiency standards, annual reporting, infrastructure adequacy assessments, environmental impact assessments, reasonable buffer requirements, utility cost-allocation review, decommissioning plans, noise/vibration/light mitigation, confidentiality protections, enforcement, penalties, and transition guidance.
Data Center Development Act
Overview
Creates a statewide data center development framework. Establishes a Data Center Development Office in the Department of Environmental Services, creates an industry advisory committee, requires siting permits, operational efficiency standards, water efficiency standards, annual reporting, infrastructure adequacy assessments, environmental impact assessments, reasonable buffer requirements, utility cost-allocation review, decommissioning plans, noise/vibration/light mitigation, confidentiality protections, enforcement, penalties, and transition guidance.
Why This Matters
Establishes buffers, noise/vibration/light mitigation, environmental review, and public reporting — directly protecting nearby residents and neighborhoods.
Current Status
Legislation Activity Timeline
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This activity timeline is currently being expanded as additional public information becomes available.
Key Provisions
Impact analysis across community, business, developer, and utility dimensions.
Establishes buffers, noise/vibration/light mitigation, environmental review, and public reporting — directly protecting nearby residents and neighborhoods.
Creates a predictable statewide permitting framework and an advisory committee where local vendors can advocate for participation rules.
Adds siting permits, efficiency standards, decommissioning plans, and annual reporting obligations — increasing compliance cost but providing regulatory certainty.
Requires infrastructure adequacy assessments and utility cost-allocation review to protect ratepayers from grid upgrade costs.
Most comprehensive responsible-growth framework in SC. Addresses nearly every checklist item: power, water, noise, buffers, decommissioning, reporting, and enforcement.
May increase project timelines and compliance costs; industry advisory committee composition could favor operators over communities if not balanced.
Track closely. This appears to be the most comprehensive responsible-growth framework currently under consideration in South Carolina.
Agencies Involved
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Public Meetings
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Public meeting information for this legislation will be added as it becomes available.
Official Documents
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Related Research
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Public Sources
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SC Digital Infrastructure Alliance. "Data Center Development Act" (S.867). Policy & Legislative Intelligence Center. 2026.
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Research is continuously refined as additional public information becomes available.