Spartanburg County data center construction continues despite legal challenges
Data center construction in Spartanburg County, South Carolina, continues for a $3 billion project despite legal challenges from an environmental group. The project, labeled a "minor land development" to bypass public hearings, saw a challenge dismissed by the South Carolina Public Service Commission. Meanwhile, the Spartanburg County Council is considering a one-year moratorium on new data centers, with a final vote scheduled for September 21st.
In Spartanburg County, South Carolina, debate continues regarding data center developments. While a proposed data center on Jones Road was blocked, construction for the $3 billion South Pine Data Center at a former coal plant is underway.
Spartanburg County Administrative Officials labeled the South Pine project a "minor land development," a classification that allowed it to proceed without public notifications or hearings, sparking accusations of non-transparency and deceit from the public.
An environmental group challenged the South Pine project in a lawsuit over this classification. However, the South Carolina Public Service Commission dismissed the challenge, ruling it lacked authority over the private company involved. Councilman Mo Assaf supports the project, citing significant tax revenue benefits, potentially surpassing BMW over the long term.
In response to ongoing concerns, the Spartanburg County Council is considering a one-year moratorium on new data centers. The council is set to vote on the final reading of this moratorium on September 21st. If approved, this moratorium would not halt the ongoing South Pine data center construction but would block future new data center projects.