AI Data Center Revolt tour protests in Upstate
A national group, Humans First, protested in Spartanburg, South Carolina, calling for more local control and transparency in data center development, specifically highlighting the Valara project. Spartanburg County leaders are scheduled to vote on a one-year moratorium on new data center development on September 21. Concerns were also raised about project classification, public input, and infrastructure costs.
A national conservative organization, Humans First, brought its "AI Data Center Revolt" bus tour to Spartanburg, South Carolina, on Wednesday to advocate for increased local control and transparency in data center development. The protest focused on the Valara data center project, currently under construction at the former Kohler plant in Spartanburg County. This nearly $2.8 billion development also includes a private power plant. Humans First Senior Advisor Kylie Kremer clarified that the group is not anti-technology but seeks more safeguards as AI advances rapidly, arguing that residents should have more say in local development.
The Valara project has faced criticism from Humans First for allegedly proceeding without sufficient public information or input before construction began. The Southern Environmental Law Center has also raised concerns about the project's classification as a minor land development, which bypassed typical public notifications and hearings associated with larger developments. State Rep. Thomas Beach joined the protest, echoing sentiments that Spartanburg residents have not been heard and raising concerns about infrastructure costs potentially borne by taxpayers, asserting that developers should be responsible for their own infrastructure.
Humans First's cross-country tour aims to encourage residents in communities impacted by data center proposals or construction to become more involved in local decisions. Cathy Latham, Humans First Texas director, urged residents to continue fighting for information and attending government meetings.
In a related development, Spartanburg County leaders are scheduled to vote on September 21 on a proposal for a one-year moratorium on new data center development, indicating ongoing local governmental consideration of the issue.