‘AI is anti-human’: S.C. protesters express concerns on data centers
News ClipWRDW·Spartanburg County, SC·3/8/2026
Protesters in Spartanburg, South Carolina are expressing concerns over data center developments in their area, including issues around power demand, water usage, infrastructure strain, noise pollution, and health impacts from backup generators. While they are pleased about recent decisions not to offer tax incentives for some projects, they remain worried about two other data center proposals in the Spartanburg area.
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Residents of Spartanburg, South Carolina have organized to protest the development of data centers in their area. Concerns include the high demand for power and water, noise pollution, and potential health impacts from backup generators. Local groups, such as "No data centers in Spartanburg" and "Powergrid Spartanburg," have formed to raise awareness and oppose certain projects, including one by Northmark Strategies and another planned for 300 Jones Road. Protesters argue that the data centers provide few lasting jobs and threaten to strain local infrastructure and resources, while an attendee described AI-driven development as "anti-human." Local officials recently decided not to offer tax incentives for one project, but protesters say attention must now shift to the remaining two planned facilities.