Proposes a temporary pause on final approval of new data center projects until January 1, 2028. Applies to rezonings, special-use permits, building permits, site plans, and incentive approvals.
Data Center Moratorium
Overview
Proposes a temporary pause on final approval of new data center projects until January 1, 2028. Applies to rezonings, special-use permits, building permits, site plans, and incentive approvals.
Why This Matters
Pauses new approvals — giving communities breathing room to study impacts and adopt zoning standards.
Current Status
Legislation Activity Timeline
Key dates and actions in the legislative process.
This activity timeline is currently being expanded as additional public information becomes available.
Key Provisions
Impact analysis across community, business, developer, and utility dimensions.
Pauses new approvals — giving communities breathing room to study impacts and adopt zoning standards.
Delays vendor pipeline and local business opportunity windows tied to new projects.
Freezes new project approvals and incentive deals through January 1, 2028.
Reduces near-term load growth pressure on the grid, but defers infrastructure planning certainty.
Buys time for counties without data center zoning to adopt standards before projects arrive.
Broad pause could deter responsible investment and signal that SC is closed for business; targeted standards may be more effective.
Track and explain. The Alliance should not default to supporting or opposing a moratorium. It should explain why some lawmakers are calling for a pause and what standards could reduce the need for broad pauses.
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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Frequently Asked Questions
Public Sources
Additional sources will be added as research continues.
SC Digital Infrastructure Alliance. "Data Center Moratorium" (H.5286). Policy & Legislative Intelligence Center. 2026.
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Research is continuously refined as additional public information becomes available.