Questions raised about Spartanburg data center approval process
Environmental attorneys and the Sierra Club have requested a public hearing from Spartanburg County leaders and the Department of Environmental Services regarding a data center project called "A Mock One." They allege the project's true scale, particularly its energy demands and potential air pollution from natural gas turbines, was not fully disclosed during its initial approval. A state agency has agreed to hold the requested public hearing.
Environmental attorneys, representing the Southern Environmental Law Center on behalf of Sierra Club leaders, have formally requested Spartanburg County officials to hold a public hearing concerning the approval process and environmental impacts of a data center project identified as "A Mock One." The project, located on South Pine Street in Spartanburg, has already received initial approval, but critics argue that the public and even some county council members were not fully informed about its true scale and potential consequences.
The primary concerns revolve around the data center's energy consumption and its environmental footprint. Initially presented as requiring 50 megawatts of power, the project is now seeking permits for 450-megawatts of power, necessitating additional natural gas turbines. Opponents fear significant air pollution and question the lack of transparency throughout the approval process, including a tax break granted to the developers.
Shane Martin, a concerned individual, highlighted that the project was "disguised" initially, and the substantial increase in power requirements only became clear later. The Southern Environmental Law Center sent a letter specifically requesting a public hearing on the application for these additional natural gas turbines. The state agency, the Department of Environmental Services, has agreed to hold this public hearing, though a date has not yet been announced. Opponents hope the county will follow the state agency's lead and ensure the community receives a transparent review of the project's impacts and requested permits.