Chester County has placed a six-month moratorium on new data center applications to allow time for research, public input, and development of clearer evaluation criteria. The pause follows public concern about environmental, infrastructure, and community impacts and is tied to controversy over a $2.8 billion project linked to Valara Holdings. Officials will hold workshops with utility representatives and experts from the University of South Carolina Center for Sustainable Growth, beginning Aug. 13 and Sept. 28. The moratorium is framed as a listening and fact-finding period, not a final ruling.
Chester County Enacts Six-Month Moratorium on New Data Centers Amid Environmental and Community Concerns
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Chester County, South Carolina, has enacted a six-month moratorium on new data center applications to pause approvals while officials collect information, gather public input, and develop clearer standards for future projects.
Why Officials Paused Approvals
County leaders voted unanimously on July 20 to temporarily stop accepting or reviewing new data center proposals. The move follows public hearings in which residents raised concerns about the potential impacts of rapid data-center growth on land use, water resources, local infrastructure, noise and the county's rural character.
"These data centers will ruin life for all future generations, for our children and grandchildren." — David Beverley
Controversy Surrounding a Major Project
The pause comes amid controversy tied to a proposed $2.8 billion data center project linked to developer Valara Holdings. A group of residents has sued both the county and the developer, alleging that local leaders bypassed transparency measures and limited community input during the approval process.
Regional Context
Chester County's decision follows a regional pattern: neighboring York County recently approved a nine-month moratorium, and Spartanburg County is considering a one-year pause. Officials say the temporary halt gives communities time to weigh the costs and benefits of large-scale data centers before projects proceed.
What the Moratorium Will Do
During the six-month period, the county plans a series of public workshops to gather expert analysis and public feedback. County leaders expect to hear from utility officials, experts from the University of South Carolina Center for Sustainable Growth, and representatives from counties that already host data centers.
The first two workshops are scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. on Aug. 13 and Sept. 28. Councilmember John Agee has suggested inviting Spartanburg County residents to participate, saying, "If we're going to listen to the good, let's listen to the bad."
"I hope the room is full of people who want to listen to what's being said." — Council Chair Pete Wilson
Pros and Cons
Supporters say a short moratorium provides time to develop zoning standards, water-use protections, noise limits and transparent public hearing processes that can reduce conflict and give developers a clearer path forward. Critics warn that delays can deter investment, reduce potential tax revenue and create uncertainty for businesses—concerns that weigh heavily in communities that seek jobs and new income.
Next Steps
The moratorium is intended as a fact-finding, listening and planning period rather than a predetermined decision on any particular project. County officials will use the workshops and public input to inform possible rule changes and to determine how future proposals should be evaluated.
Key dates: Workshops at 5 p.m. on Aug. 13 and Sept. 28.
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