As communities across South Carolina consider how the growth of data centers could impact residents, infrastructure, energy resources and economic development, Senator Tameika Isaac Devine will host “Data Centers: Understanding the Debate, Empowering Our Communities,” an educational town hall on Sunday, October 25 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Richland Main Library, 1431 Assembly Street, Columbia, SC 29201.
The community conversation will provide residents with an opportunity to learn more about data centers, why their development has become a growing issue across South Carolina, and the potential benefits and concerns communities should consider when evaluating future projects. Across the state, conversations surrounding data centers have raised questions about economic development and investment as well as energy consumption, utility costs, water usage, infrastructure, land use, environmental impacts and the role residents should have in the decision-making process.
“Data centers are increasingly becoming part of conversations about South Carolina’s growth, but before we decide whether they are good or bad for our communities, we need to understand what they are, what they require and what the long-term impact could be,” said Senator Tameika Isaac Devine, District 19. “This town hall is about creating a space where residents can ask questions, hear the facts and better understand both the opportunities and the concerns. My goal is not to tell people what to believe, it is to make sure they have the information they need to determine what is best for their communities.”
Joining Senator Devine for the discussion will be John Brooker, Senior Vice President of Policy & Government Relations for Conservation Voters of South Carolina. Brooker works on state policy and government relations and has been engaged in ongoing policy discussions surrounding data center development, energy affordability, infrastructure and environmental protections in South Carolina.
The discussion will explore questions including:
• What exactly is a data center, and why are more being proposed across the country and in South Carolina?
• What economic-development opportunities can data centers provide?
• How much electricity, water and infrastructure can large data centers require?
• Could data center development affect utility customers and energy costs?
• What environmental and land-use considerations should communities evaluate?
• What safeguards and regulations are currently being considered?
• What role should local residents have when projects are proposed in their communities?
• How can South Carolina balance economic growth, technological advancement and community protections?
The town hall comes as communities across South Carolina continue to debate how data centers should be developed and regulated. Some local governments have considered or implemented temporary pauses on new developments while evaluating zoning and other safeguards, adding urgency to the broader conversation about how the state should approach the rapidly growing industry.
“Whether a community ultimately welcomes a data center, opposes one or determines that additional safeguards are necessary, residents should have the opportunity to understand what is being proposed and how it could affect them,” Devine added. “Informed communities make better decisions, and that is what this conversation is all about.”
The event is free and open to the public. Residents, neighborhood leaders, business owners, community organizations and anyone interested in learning more about the impact of data centers in South Carolina are encouraged to attend.
For more information or to submit questions, email info@epitome-llc.com.