Spartanburg County Moves Toward a One-Year Pause on New Data Centers

The Woodruff Times reported on July 20, 2026 that Spartanburg County is moving toward a temporary pause on new data centers, a week after New York became the first state to pause new hyperscale projects.

What the county did: At its June 15 meeting, Spartanburg County Council voted to authorize the county administrator and county attorney to prepare an ordinance placing a one-year moratorium on new data centers. The motion also called for chances for residents to give input.

What it does not do yet: The vote did not create the moratorium. A formal ordinance must still be drafted and brought back to council for approval.

Why: The pause would give the S.C. General Assembly time to consider statewide rules, and give county staff time to amend the zoning ordinances. The paper notes rising concern over the electricity and water large data centers use (especially those built for artificial intelligence), along with noise, traffic, utility costs and placement near homes. At public comment, residents near a proposed site in the South Pine Street area raised utility rates, grid strain, the environment and a lack of notice. Supporters point to private investment, tax revenue and jobs.

The New York comparison: On July 14, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul ordered a one-year statewide moratorium on new hyperscale data centers needing 50 megawatts or more, so the state can study the effects and write rules.

State level: S.C. lawmakers have also considered a state permitting process that would review a data center's effect on water and wastewater systems, electricity, roads and nearby natural resources.

Local context: The City of Woodruff later adopted its own zoning ban on data centers and crypto mining (Sept 2026). Read the full story at The Woodruff Times (link below).