Spartanburg residents protest Valara Holdings data center on national day of action
Residents in Spartanburg, SC, protested a Valara Holdings data center project over concerns about air pollution from proposed natural gas turbines and its location in a densely populated area. The protest was part of a "National Day of Action" against data centers, while the Spartanburg County Council is scheduled to vote on a proposed one-year moratorium on new data center applications.
Residents in Spartanburg County, South Carolina, participated in a National Day of Action against data centers, protesting a nearly $3 billion Valara Holdings data center project. The demonstration, held at the Spartanburg County Courthouse, featured speakers and a march through downtown, organized to show solidarity in the fight against data centers nationwide.
Local organizer Emery Caravello highlighted Spartanburg's role in South Carolina's efforts against data centers, emphasizing community concerns regarding a new state air permit sought by Valara Holdings. The permit would allow the company to add 11 natural gas-fired turbines to power the data center, raising fears among residents like Hal Foster and Nancy Garner about increased emissions of pollutants, smog, poor air quality, and noise pollution in their densely populated neighborhood. Residents have until July 31 to submit comments to the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services.
Simultaneously, the Spartanburg County Council is slated to hold a public hearing and a second vote on a proposed one-year moratorium on accepting new data center applications. Organizers stressed the importance of continued community engagement, including sending emails and physically showing up, beyond the protest.