The "Data Center Development Act" establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework for data center development in South Carolina, introducing several new sections to the South Carolina Code of Laws. A key feature of the act is the creation of a Data Center Development Office within the Department of Environmental Services, responsible for overseeing the permitting process, conducting pre-application consultations, and setting operational and water efficiency standards. The act also establishes a Data Center Industry Advisory Committee to provide guidance and outlines a tiered permitting process based on the electrical load of data centers, with specific requirements for infrastructure adequacy, environmental reviews, and operational standards.

The legislation emphasizes the significance of data centers as vital infrastructure for the digital economy and aims to enhance South Carolina's attractiveness for data center investments. It includes provisions for performance-based operational efficiency standards, water efficiency standards, and decommissioning plans, while ensuring the Public Service Commission retains jurisdiction over electricity consumption. Local governments maintain zoning authority but cannot impose stricter requirements than those in the bill. Additionally, the act addresses environmental impacts, confidentiality of proprietary information, and establishes a tiered penalty system for compliance violations, with a focus on providing technical assistance during the initial transition period.

Statutes affected:
01/29/2026: 49-35-10, 49-35-20, 49-35-30, 49-35-40, 49-35-50, 49-35-60, 49-35-70, 49-35-80, 49-35-90, 49-35-100, 49-35-110, 49-35-120
01/30/2026: 49-35-10, 49-35-20, 49-35-30, 49-35-40, 49-35-50, 49-35-60, 49-35-70, 49-35-80, 49-35-90, 49-35-100, 49-35-110, 49-35-120
Latest Version: 49-35-10, 49-35-20, 49-35-30, 49-35-40, 49-35-50, 49-35-60, 49-35-70, 49-35-80, 49-35-90, 49-35-100, 49-35-110, 49-35-120