Spartanburg council committee holds hearing on data centers, presses for credible evidence

The Spartanburg County Council Public Safety Committee conducted its second hearing on data centers, addressing the ongoing construction of the NorthMark data center and a proposed 12-month moratorium on new data center developments. Public Safety Committee Chairman Mo Abusaft emphasized the committee's commitment to evaluating environmental and public safety concerns, stating that strong, credible evidence would be required to consider halting projects already approved, such as NorthMark. He highlighted the significant legal and financial risks, potentially bankrupting the county, if they were to reverse an already approved project.

Abusaft noted that the NorthMark project received approval approximately two years ago through a public process. He also expressed skepticism regarding some public commentary, suggesting that "outside actors" might be monetizing the issue on social media or intentionally disrupting economic development efforts. The proposed data center moratorium has completed its first two readings and is currently effective under the pending ordinance doctrine, with a final vote anticipated later this month that could finalize or modify its terms. Abusaft stressed that Spartanburg County Council is actively working on the front lines to gather facts and make informed decisions regarding data center developments, distinguishing their efforts from less concrete discussions at the state level.