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The Thomas County Board of Commissioners has enacted a 12-month moratorium on data center permits to evaluate concerns regarding electricity demand and community impact. Chair Mark NeSmith highlighted the necessity for more information on the implications of data centers, aiming to safeguard residents from potential electricity cost increases and insufficient job creation. Concurrently, Cherokee County, SC, is grappling with similar issues related to a $2.1 billion data center project, balancing revenue potential with community transparency and environmental considerations.