Greetings!

How did March arrive so quickly? Now that we’ve “sprung forward” an hour, hopefully warmer weather is here to stay. February was a busy month at the State House, with data centers emerging as a key issue. Let’s dive into the latest developments and flag bills we’ll be watching closely as the session continues.

What's happening at the State House:

Data Centers and managing the state’s rapid growth have become hot topics at the State House. There are bills filed in both the Senate and the House to address data center development. In addition to S. 724 and S. 784, which we discussed last month, the following were also introduced:

S. 867: Data Center Development Act

• Introduced by Senator Tom Davis, this bill would establish the Data Center Development Office within the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) to serve as the point of contact for data center operations. The bill creates a tiered permitting system that classifies data centers based on their electrical load, includes operational and water efficiency standards, annual water use reporting requirements, and provisions to ensure that data centers bear the cost of energy infrastructure upgrades. The Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee has held four hearings to date.

S. 902: Data Center Siting Act

• Introduced by Senator Luke Rankin, this bill contains similar language from S. 867, but does not create the Data Center Development Office within SCDES. Instead, data center operators would be required to obtain a certificate from the Public Service Commission (PSC) before beginning operations in SC, like in a Siting Act proceeding. The Senate Judiciary Subcommittee has now met twice to take up the bill, with additional hearings expected.

H. 4583: Data Center Responsibility Act

• Introduced by Representatives Cromer and Gilreath, this bill requires data centers to operate with complete energy independence (not receiving any power from or being interconnected to any public power grid), and that backup generators be a part of the on-site energy system. They must also operate using a closed-loop water system, may not receive any taxpayer-funded incentives, and must employ a minimum of (1) full-time, on-site employee for every 1,000 square feet of facility floor space. Referred to the House Labor, Commerce, and Industry Committee.

H. 5215: SC Ratepayer Protection and Large Load Customer Infrastructure Accountability Act

• Introduced by Representative Wendell Jones, this bill establishes contract requirements for large load customers, prevents cost shifting to residential customers, provides PSC guidance on reviewing contracts and rates, and requires annual water reporting and public hearings before permits are issued. Referred to the House Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee.

S. 227: Concurrency Program

• This bill seeks to empower local governments to ensure infrastructure keeps pace with new development by adopting concurrency programs into their land development regulations. It passed the Senate Labor, Commerce, and Industry Subcommittee with a favorable report and will now be considered by the full Committee. 

H. 4050: Concurrency Program

• A House 3M Subcommittee met to take up H.4050, the companion bill to S. 227, related to concurrency programs; however, debate was adjourned due to time constraints. Another hearing is expected to be scheduled; date and time TBA.

H. 5069: SC Protected Lands and Conservation Coordination Act

• Introduced with bipartisan support from over 50 co-sponsors, this bill sets a goal of reaching 7 million acres of protected land in the state by 2050. It requires the Department of Natural Resources, SC Conservation Bank, Forestry Commission, Parks, Recreation and Tourism, and the Office of Resilience to coordinate on state-funded land protection projects to ensure cost-effectiveness and public benefit. Annual reporting to the General Assembly on land protection activities is required. Referred to the House Ways and Means Committee.

S. 888: A Senate Resolution

• Introduced by Senators Campsen and Ott, this Senate Resolution recognizes the importance of voluntary conservation easements and honors the National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucus. Referred to the Senate Fish, Game and Forestry Committee.

S. 383: Prothonotary Warbler Recognition Act

• A bill introduced last year in the Senate and sponsored by Senators Davis, Goldfinch, Graham, Zell, and Rankin to recognize the Prothonotary Warbler as the official state migratory bird of South Carolina, passed the House and was signed into law by Governor Henry McMaster. Shout out to our partners at Audubon SC for their work on this effort!

H. 5180: Income Tax Deduction

• Introduced with bipartisan support from over 50 co-sponsors, this bill would allow a tax deduction for farmers who sell or lease their farmland to a beginning farmer or enter into a crop-share agreement with an existing farmer. Referred to the House Ways and Means Committee.

Note: The bill tracker will be updated regularly throughout the session as new legislation is filed and existing bills advance.

Other news:



• The SC Public Service Commission (PSC) hosted a public hearing on Duke Energy’s proposed gas plant in Anderson County. Read more here.
• TigerDC withdrew “Project Spero” from consideration in Spartanburg County. Read more here.
• Swain Whitfield and Eugene Hennelly elected to the PSC. Read more here.

Upcoming events:



SC Conservation Coalition Lobby Day & Oyster Roast | March 31, 2026

• On Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at 10:30 AM, join us and our conservation partners, along with advocates from around the state, at the State House to speak directly with lawmakers about the challenges facing South Carolina’s land, water, and communities. Then stick around to celebrate our shared progress at the highly-anticipated Oyster Roast beginning at 5:30 PM. Register to attend here.

ForeverGreen Awards Luncheon | April 21, 2026

• Join Upstate Forever on Tuesday, April 21 at The Annex at Judson Mill in Greenville from 11:30 AM -1:00 PM as we celebrate individuals who have made significant contributions in fields related to conservation and sustainable growth. You can find more information and register to attend here. 

We’ll keep you informed about key developments and opportunities to engage on the bills we’re tracking this session. You can find your legislator or contact them directly about issues that matter to you here. Until next time, please feel free to forward our monthly updates to family, friends, and colleagues who may want to sign up and receive them, too!