Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., this week called for a moratorium on new data centers in the Palmetto State ahead of the gubernatorial primary.

Data centers have increasingly faced skepticism from local communities over concerns they will increase energy costs and amid more general anxiety about the expansion of AI.

"South Carolina is not Big Tech's personal power grid," Mace said. "These companies are planting massive data centers across our state, driving up energy demand, and leaving families and small businesses to pick up the tab. South Carolinians are already stretched thin. The last thing they need is a higher electricity bill subsidizing Big Tech's bottom line."

Polling data has shown broad support for requiring data centers to provide their own power and many have already moved toward the use of gas-fueled, independent grids.

"A one-year moratorium gives South Carolina the chance to get this right," Mace went on. "When it is over, the rules are simple: data centers pay their own way or they do not come here."

Mace is running for the Republican nomination for governor and faces a contentious primary against state Attorney General Alan Wilson, Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., and state Sen. Josh Kimbrell.

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent for Just the News. Follow him on X.