POLITICS

Local governments enact moratoria amid expanding data center proposals

PUBLISHED Jun 22, 2026, 11:40 AM ET

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Media Bias Meter

Sources: 10

Center 90%

Right 10%

Sources: 10

Spartanburg County, South Carolina, approved the first reading on Monday of a one-year moratorium on new data centers in a special called session, following a June 15 directive ordering county attorneys and managers to draft the ordinance; the vote was the first of three readings required for enactment. Other municipalities moved similarly this week: Woodbury County supervisors prepared to vote on a temporary ban amid a 900-acre annexation dispute with the City of Salix, and Mankato accelerated consideration of an interim moratorium after a late inquiry; Louisiana officials reported projected sales-tax exemptions of $1.68 billion (FY2026) and $1.71 billion (FY2027).

By Lauren Mitchell | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

June 15: Spartanburg County approved measure to draft a one-year moratorium.
Special session Monday: Spartanburg County gave first reading to the moratorium.
This week: Woodbury County scheduled vote amid Salix 900-acre annexation dispute.
This week: Mankato added interim moratorium item for adoption at next meeting after public hearing.
State projection: Louisiana estimates $1.68B (FY2026) and $1.71B (FY2027) in sales-tax exemptions.

News Intelligence

Data centers can impact your community. They can bring jobs but also strain resources like power and water. These moratoriums mean your local government is taking time to weigh these factors. Stay informed about these decisions by attending local council meetings or reading meeting minutes online.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 10
Right Leaning:: 1
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 9

Who Benefited

Residents and municipal planners may benefit from paused approvals, allowing review of infrastructure, zoning, and tax impacts before final decisions are made.

Who Impacted

Data center developers and some economic development stakeholders may suffer project delays, uncertainty, and deferred investment during moratoria and policy reviews.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 10
Right Leaning:: 1
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 9
Distribution:: Left 0%, Center 90%, Right 10%

Who Benefited

Residents and municipal planners may benefit from paused approvals, allowing review of infrastructure, zoning, and tax impacts before final decisions are made.

Who Impacted

Data center developers and some economic development stakeholders may suffer project delays, uncertainty, and deferred investment during moratoria and policy reviews.