US Local Governments Enact Data Center Moratoriums Across Multiple States

Local governments across the United States are increasingly enacting moratoriums on new data center developments to study environmental, infrastructure, and community impacts. In Indiana, the Metropolitan Development Commission unanimously approved a freeze in Indianapolis effective through 2027, allocating $150,000 for research into building height and sound levels. Similarly, the Anderson County Council in South Carolina passed a six-month moratorium to protect the electric grid and water supply, joining other South Carolina counties like Chester and York in implementing similar holds.

Other municipalities have adopted shorter pauses to update zoning laws. The Greensboro City Council approved a 180-day pause on facilities requiring over 10 megawatts, while the Gregg Township Board of Supervisors in Pennsylvania established a 180-day moratorium. In Tennessee, the Carter County Commission approved a one-year moratorium on data centers and crypto mining, and the Westover City Council passed a six-month pause. In Maryland, the Calvert County Commissioners passed a six-month moratorium after Amazon withdrew a $22 billion proposal.

Some jurisdictions continue to approve projects despite the trend. In Statesboro, Georgia, Mayor Jonathan McCollar cast a tie-breaking vote to rezone land for a potential data center, though Bulloch County maintains its own temporary moratorium. Industry groups, including the Data Center Coalition, have urged leaders to establish regulatory frameworks rather than enacting moratoriums, which they argue discourage investment and signal that communities are closed for business.