Annie Andrews Proposed Data Center Moratorium

The U.S. Senate candidate called for a two-year freeze on new projects in South Carolina.

Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Data Centers

Isometric editorial illustration of a heavy industrial utility box on a concrete conduit in a field, representing data center infrastructure policy. — U.S. Senate candidate Annie Andrews has proposed a two-year moratorium on new data center development in South Carolina, citing concerns over corporate tax breaks. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Should your state pause new data center construction to prioritize local community interests?

U.S. Senate candidate Annie Andrews has requested a two-year moratorium on new data center projects in South Carolina. She announced the proposal at a campaign event in Walterboro, citing concerns over corporate tax incentives.

Why it matters

The proposal aims to address the disparity between tax benefits offered to large corporations and the high cost of living faced by residents. It also highlights a perceived lack of resources for local officials to negotiate effectively with technology developers.

The proposed moratorium on new data center development would span a two-year period. This initiative follows concerns about the current distribution of tax incentives across the state.

The players

Annie Andrews

She is a candidate for the United States Senate in South Carolina.

The details

Andrews argued that local officials in South Carolina currently lack the necessary resources to negotiate advantageous agreements with corporations building data centers. The candidate plans to position data center oversight and family budget relief as central pillars of her upcoming campaign.

September 28, 2026: Annie Andrews announced the moratorium proposal in Walterboro.

The Tech Race

This proposal reflects a broader national shift in how states evaluate the economic trade-offs of rapid data center expansion. It parallels the 2024 Virginia data center tax policy reforms by questioning the net economic benefit of utility-heavy infrastructure hubs to local tax bases.

If enacted, this moratorium could affect local housing and utility costs by curbing the rapid energy consumption associated with new data centers. Residents may see changes in how local government prioritizes infrastructure spending versus corporate tax breaks.

The takeaway

Candidates are increasingly scrutinizing the impact of massive digital infrastructure projects on local resources and resident expenses. Voters should watch whether this call for a pause gains traction in legislative debate or remains primarily a campaign talking point.