A proposal to impose a one‑year moratorium on building or expanding hyperscale data centers failed in the Senate State Affairs Committee Wednesday.
Sen. Taffy Howard’s bill, SB 232, first saw a failed “do pass” motion, followed by a 4–4 tie on a motion to send it to the 41st Day. After debate over whether a second vote was allowed, senators ultimately voted 5–3 to table the bill.
Howard said afterward she was disappointed and felt the committee sided with industry lobbyists rather than residents concerned about rapid data‑center growth. Opponents, including local officials and industry representatives, argued local governments—not the state—should decide whether to impose moratoriums.
The bill targeted facilities of 50 megawatts or more, and supporters said a pause was needed so counties and cities could address zoning and infrastructure impacts.
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