In The News 13 July 2026

Rep. Nancy Mace calls for moratorium on AI data center deals

Congresswoman Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) has renewed her call for a one-year moratorium on new data center construction in South Carolina after a new CNBC report ranked the state among the top 10 best positioned to land artificial intelligence data center deals nationwide, even as public opposition to the industry's expansion grows.

"South Carolina is not a free power source for billion-dollar tech companies," said Mace. 

"As South Carolina becomes a prime target for AI data center development, the stakes are only getting higher. We need a one-year moratorium to understand the impact on our electric grid, water supply, and ensure South Carolina families aren't left footing the bill."

According to CNBC, South Carolina ranks among the top states for AI data center investment, making it an increasingly attractive target for large-scale development. The report also warns the state faces challenges with power generation capacity and the electricity needed to support AI computing.

In May, Rep. Mace called for a one-year moratorium on new data center construction in South Carolina to give lawmakers time to put real protections in place. Under her proposal, any future data center would be required to fully cover the cost of the energy it consumes and any grid upgrades its operations require.

"The moratorium sets the terms for what comes next: data centers pay their own way, or they don't come here," Mace added.
 

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