Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) is calling for a one-year moratorium on the construction of new data centers in South Carolina, arguing the state needs stronger safeguards in place as the Trump administration pushes to accelerate artificial intelligence development nationwide.South Carolina has become an increasingly popular destination for data centers, with developers drawn by tax incentives, available land, and expanding energy infrastructure. One estimate puts the number at 44 data centers already operating in the state. By comparison, Virginia and Texas lead the nation with 398 and 296 facilities, respectively.“South Carolina is not Big Tech’s personal power grid,” Mace said. “These companies are planting massive data centers across our state, driving up energy demand, and leaving families and small businesses to pick up the tab. South Carolinians are already stretched thin. The last thing they need is a higher electricity bill subsidizing Big Tech’s bottom line.”
Mace, who is running for governor of South Carolina, said the proposed one-year pause would give lawmakers time to establish protections for ratepayers and the state’s electric grid.
She argued that any future framework should require data centers to fully pay for the electricity they consume, as well as any infrastructure upgrades needed to support their operations.
